The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has accused security operatives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election, Esther Dawaki, along with 25 of her supporters.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 16, the party’s State Chairman, Edward Percy Masha, claimed the operation was carried out by “Operation Fushin Kada”, a joint security task force under the Kaduna State Government.
According to the PDP, the operatives stormed City Den Hotel in Malali, forcefully entered a room while searching for the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero. When they failed to locate him, they allegedly arrested Dawaki and other party members instead.
Describing the incident as “a brazen act of harassment, intimidation, and political insanity,” the PDP accused Governor Uba Sani and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the action to undermine the opposition ahead of the by-election.
The party demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its candidate and detained supporters.
The PDP also called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene. It alleged that security forces were being deployed to intimidate opposition voices and manipulate the electoral process in Kaduna State.
Urging civil society organizations and “all lovers of democracy” to take a stand, the party condemned the incident as an assault on constitutional order and democratic freedoms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP will not be intimidated or silenced,” the statement declared, vowing to resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people.
The party reassured its members and supporters that it remains committed to defending democratic rights and would continue to provide updates on the unfolding situation.
