The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has raised serious concerns regarding the detention of its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Dawaki, and the party’s Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The PDP views these detentions as a calculated attempt to stifle opposition voices and manipulate the outcome of the August 16 bye-election. This incident has sparked alarm within the party and raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
The PDP’s apprehension stems from the timing and circumstances surrounding the detentions. Princess Esther Dawaki, the party’s candidate, was summoned by the EFCC on August 25th and has remained in custody since then. Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, the Campaign Director General, has been detained for twelve days, even after fulfilling the stipulated bail conditions. The PDP contends that these detentions are politically motivated and aimed at crippling their campaign efforts in the crucial bye-election.
The party’s concerns extend beyond the detentions themselves. They allege a pattern of interference and intimidation during the bye-election period, including disruptions to their campaign activities and restrictions imposed by security operations. These actions, according to the PDP, have created an uneven playing field and jeopardized their ability to effectively engage with voters. The party argues that such tactics undermine the democratic process and erode public trust in the electoral system.
The PDP Chairman, Edward Masha, has issued a stern warning, stating that if their detained members are not released promptly, the party may be forced to mobilize its supporters for peaceful demonstrations. This highlights the escalating tension and the potential for further unrest if the situation remains unresolved. The PDP has also appealed directly to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene and ensure the release of their members, emphasizing the need to de-escalate the situation and prevent further polarization.
The PDP’s allegations paint a picture of a contested political landscape in Kaduna State, where concerns about fairness, transparency, and the potential misuse of state institutions are coming to the forefront. The party’s insistence on the release of its members underscores their commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles, particularly in the context of elections, and protecting the rights of all political parties to participate freely and without fear of intimidation.
The PDP’s strong stance reflects their determination to defend their members and uphold democratic values. They believe that the detentions represent a clear attempt to manipulate the electoral process and silence opposition voices. The party’s call for peaceful demonstrations if their demands are not met highlights the potential for escalating tensions and underscores the urgency of the situation. The PDP’s appeal to the EFCC Chairman to intervene further emphasizes the need for a swift and decisive resolution to prevent further escalation and ensure a fair and transparent bye-election process in Kaduna State. The party remains committed to fighting for the release of its detained members and protecting the integrity of the democratic process.
