The Kaduna State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over the abduction of its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 party members.
Chairman PDP Kaduna state.
According to a statement signed by the PDP State Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, security operatives under Operation Fushin Kada — a joint security outfit of the Kaduna State Government — stormed the City Den Hotel in Malali on Friday night. The party claims the forces were targeting the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero, but when they could not find him, they allegedly whisked away Dawaki and others.
The incident comes just hours before voters head to the polls in today’s crucial Chikun/Kajuru bye-election, where the PDP and ruling APC are locked in a tight contest.
The PDP condemned the development as “an egregious abuse of power” and urged President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, DSS, and military chiefs to ensure the immediate release of its members. The party also called on civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates to resist what it described as an attack on democratic processes in Kaduna State.
The PDP insists it will not be intimidated, warning that the alleged clampdown is proof the APC fears electoral defeat.
