The Kaduna State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has protested the detention of its Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and the party’s Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Edward Masha, while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, described the development as worrisome, saying it amounted to an attempt to stifle opposition voices ahead of the recently held August 16 bye-election.
Masha said Dawaki was invited by the EFCC on Monday, August 25, and has since been held in custody.
The PDP added that its Campaign DG, Fatangi, has been in detention for 12 days despite meeting bail conditions.
“We find this development deeply troubling. It raises questions about the space for fair competition in our democracy. Our demand is simple: the immediate release of our candidate and Campaign DG,” Masha stated.
The party further alleged that its campaign suffered disruptions during the bye-election period, adding that some of its activities were hindered by security operations.
The PDP chairman warned that if its detained members were not released, the party might be compelled to mobilize its supporters for peaceful demonstrations, while also calling on the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene to prevent escalation.
Masha stressed that the PDP in Kaduna State would continue to defend democratic principles and ensure that its members are not subjected to intimidation.
