Political Tension Rises in Kaduna as PDP Candidate is Abducted
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has raised an alarm over the abduction of its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki. The party alleges that a joint security network, operating under the state government, raided the City Den Hotel in Malali. The operation, according to the PDP, was intended to abduct their campaign council chairman but resulted in the capture of their candidate and 25 other people.
The PDP has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “brazen act of harassment, intimidation, and insanity.” The party is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Princess Dawaki and all others being held. The PDP has called on top security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene immediately and end what they call an “egregious abuse of power.”
In a statement, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, urged civil society groups and advocates of democracy to speak out against this “blatant attack” on the state’s democracy and constitution. Masha stated that the party will not be intimidated or silenced and will continue to fight for the rights of its members. The PDP also called on the public to remain firm and resist any attempts to tamper with the election process.
The PDP claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is resorting to a show of force because it fears defeat in the upcoming bye-election. The party vowed that no amount of intimidation will stop the people from rejecting the APC. The PDP stated it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops, emphasizing its commitment to standing up for the rights and freedoms of the people.
