PDP Accuses Security Operatives of Abducting HoR Candidate, 25 Supporters in Kaduna

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna has accused security operatives of abducting its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 supporters.

In a statement released on Saturday, the state chairman of the party, Sir Edward Percy Masha, alleged that the operation was carried out by operatives of “Operation Fushin Kada,” a joint security network operating under the Kaduna State Government. According to the PDP, the team stormed City Den Hotel in Malali in search of the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero, but when they failed to locate him, they allegedly whisked away Dawaki and her supporters.

The party described the incident as a “brazen act of harassment, intimidation and insanity,” blaming Governor Uba Sani and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for orchestrating the move. It demanded the immediate release of its candidate and supporters, warning that the act was a deliberate attempt to suppress the opposition ahead of the polls.

The PDP called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene. It further urged civil society groups and what it described as “all lovers of democracy” to resist what it termed an assault on democratic rights and the constitution in Kaduna State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP will not be intimidated or silenced,” the statement read, insisting that the party would resist any attempt to tamper with the electoral process. It added that the alleged use of force by the APC signaled desperation and fear of defeat, while assuring members and supporters that updates on the situation would be provided as events unfold.