The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has accused security operatives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, with 25 supporters.
In a statement today by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP alleged that the operation was carried out by “Operation Fushin Kada” — a joint security network under the Kaduna State Government.
The opposition party claimed the operatives stormed City Den Hotel in Malali, broke into a room in search of the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero, and, when they could not find him, whisked away Dawaki and others, reports The Nation.
The party described the alleged action as “a brazen act of harassment, intimidation and insanity” purportedly orchestrated by Governor Uba Sani and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its candidate and supporters.
The PDP further 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, accusing security forces of being used to suppress the opposition ahead of the polls.
It urged civil society groups and “all lovers of democracy” to rise against what it termed an assault on democracy and the constitution in Kaduna State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP will not be intimidated or silenced,” the party said, vowing to resist any attempt to tamper with the electoral process.
According to the statement, the ruling APC’s alleged resort to show of force “signals desperation and fear of defeat.”
The PDP assured its members and supporters that it would continue to provide updates on the situation, while restating its commitment to stand firm in defence of democratic rights and freedoms in the state.
