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Bomba Dauda
The Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Hon. Esther Ashevili Dawaki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the just-concluded Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Secretary, Mrs. Grace John Zomo, the group described Dawaki’s ordeal as “unjust” and a direct attack on women’s participation in politics.
“It is deeply troubling that in a democracy, women who choose to exercise their political rights and contest elective positions are subjected to intimidation and harassment,” the association stated.
The group faulted allegations of vote buying and money laundering against Dawaki, insisting that providing allowances for polling agents is a long-standing practice in Nigeria’s elections. “Singling out Hon. Dawaki for such accusations smacks of bias and persecution,” it added.
SOKATWA called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and defenders of democracy to demand her immediate and unconditional release.
The statement also included an apology to PDP leadership over earlier criticism of the party’s perceived silence on the issue, clarifying that the group now recognizes ongoing efforts by party leaders to resolve the matter.
“We remain hopeful that justice will prevail swiftly and that Hon. Esther Ashevili Dawaki will soon regain her freedom,” the group concluded.
