Tensions flared on Saturday in Kaduna State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused security operatives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 supporters.
State PDP Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, in a strongly worded statement, alleged that a joint security task force stormed a hotel in Malali on Friday night in what he described as a politically motivated crackdown.
According to Masha, the raid was initially targeted at the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero, but when operatives failed to locate him, they allegedly arrested Dawaki and dozens of party loyalists.
“The PDP condemns this brazen act of harassment, intimidation, and insanity by the ruling APC. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of our candidate and all others being held hostage,” Masha declared at a press briefing in Kaduna.
PDP Points Finger at APC
The opposition party claimed the move was a deliberate ploy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tilt the outcome of the crucial bye-election through intimidation and unlawful arrests.
Masha described the incident as “an egregious abuse of power,” warning that the APC’s resort to coercion reflects a ruling party fearful of electoral defeat.
“The APC’s actions signal that it is heading towards rejection. This show of force is nothing but the last kick of a dying horse. But no amount of intimidation can save the APC from being rejected by the people,” Masha said.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene immediately and halt what he termed “a dangerous descent into authoritarian tactics.”
Call for Vigilance
The PDP further appealed to civil society organizations, democracy advocates, and citizens to resist attempts to undermine the credibility of the electoral process in Chikun/Kajuru and other affected constituencies.
The party reassured its supporters that it remains steadfast in defending their rights and freedoms, vowing to keep the public informed as developments unfold.
Police Maintain Security Cordon
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command issued a statement advising residents to comply with existing directives restricting movement during the polls. The Command stressed that only personnel on essential and election-related duties would be exempt.
The police further urged citizens to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a hitch-free election.
Background
The bye-elections are scheduled to take place in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye State Constituency, and Basawa State Constituency, with security agencies already on high alert amid rising political tensions.
