The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of employing security and anti-graft agencies to harass opposition members ahead of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the party condemned what it described as a “deliberate clampdown” on its candidate and campaign leaders.
According to the PDP, its candidate for the bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, and has since been detained without bail. The party further alleged that its Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi, has remained in EFCC custody for 12 days despite meeting bail requirements.
The statement recalled that earlier in the month, the state government’s security task force, Operation Fushin Kada, stormed a hotel being used as the PDP campaign office, arrested party officials, and confiscated funds meant for logistics and welfare.
It further alleged that Fatangi was later transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS), paraded as a PDP agent with money purportedly meant for vote-buying, and eventually handed over to the EFCC.
“Recall that the Uba Sani-led government, in a desperate attempt to stifle the opposition and manipulate the August 16, 2025 bye-election, ordered Operation Fushin Kada to raid a hotel used as our campaign office. Our candidate and other leaders were harassed, while campaign funds meant for agents’ logistics and welfare were seized,” the party said.
Describing the actions as “executive recklessness and a blatant assault on democracy,” the PDP maintained that it would not remain silent while its members were being targeted.
The party called for the immediate release of its candidate and campaign DG, warning that if their demands were not met, they would mobilize supporters across the state to occupy the EFCC office in Kaduna.
“Meanwhile, we appeal to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene before the matter escalates beyond control,” the statement added.
“We want to make it clear that the PDP will not fold its arms while the government uses security and anti-graft agencies to oppress and intimidate our members. We remain resolute in defending democracy and protecting the PDP in Kaduna State. We will hold the government accountable while standing firm for the rights of our members and the citizens at large. This, we assure.”
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