Bomba Dauda
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused security forces of abducting its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 others.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the party alleged that the incident occurred on Saturday when Operation Fushin Kada — a joint security task force under the Kaduna State Government — stormed the City Den Hotel in Malali.
According to the PDP, the security operatives were initially targeting the Chairman of its Campaign Council, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero. “When they could not find him, they abducted our candidate, Princess Esther Dawaki, and 25 others,” the statement read.
The opposition party condemned what it described as “a brazen act of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power by the ruling APC” and demanded the immediate release of those detained. It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene.
The PDP further urged civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates to resist what it called “a blatant attack on democracy and the constitution in Kaduna State.”
“The APC’s actions signal desperation and fear of defeat,” the party alleged, adding that no amount of intimidation would prevent it from contesting the elections or defending its supporters’ rights.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Kaduna State Government or security agencies regarding the allegations.
