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).
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Edward Masha, described the development as “worrisome” and an attempt to silence the opposition ahead of the recently conducted August 16 bye-election.
Masha explained that Dawaki was invited by the EFCC on Monday, August 25, but had since been held in custody.
He further disclosed that Fatangi had been in detention for 12 days despite meeting the stipulated 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 PDP also alleged that its campaign was disrupted during the bye-election period, claiming that some of its political activities were hindered by security operations.
The state chairman warned that if the detained members were not released, the party might be compelled to mobilise its supporters for peaceful protests.
He appealed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene urgently in order to prevent the situation from escalating.
Masha maintained that the PDP in Kaduna State remained committed to defending democratic principles and ensuring its members were not subjected to political intimidation.
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