The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of its Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and the party’s Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Kaduna, the State Chairman of the PDP, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the situation as an attempt to silence opposition voices ahead of the August 16 bye-election.
According to the party, Dawaki was invited by the EFCC on Monday, August 25, and has remained in custody since then. It further alleged that Fatangi has been in detention for nearly two weeks despite fulfilling all bail conditions.
“This development is highly disturbing and calls into question the level playing field that should exist in our democracy. We are demanding the immediate release of our candidate and Campaign DG without further delay,” Masha declared.
The party also accused security agencies of disrupting some of its campaign activities during the bye-election, claiming the actions created unnecessary obstacles for its mobilization efforts.
Masha warned that the PDP may be forced to mobilize its supporters for peaceful demonstrations if the detained members are not released. He called on EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to urgently intervene in order to de-escalate the situation.
Reaffirming the party’s position, Masha emphasized that the PDP in Kaduna State remains committed to protecting democratic values and ensuring its members are not subjected to intimidation or harassment.
