Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has denied allegations that ₦30 million ($20,000 USD) seized by security agents from its members was intended for vote-buying during recent by-elections. The Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies reportedly arrested several PDP officials during raids on private residences and a campaign office last week, recovering cash they claimed was linked to electoral malpractice.
At a press briefing in Kaduna on Saturday, PDP Chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha dismissed the accusations as “false, malicious, and politically motivated,” insisting the funds were allocated for legitimate election logistics. He explained that the party deployed over 5,000 agents, supervisors, and collation officers across 169 electoral wards for the polls. “When you calculate allowances for these personnel, the total exceeds ₦30 million,” Masha stated. “Labeling these funds as vote-buying is an insult to Nigerians’ intelligence.”
The PDP leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Kaduna’s state government of masterminding what he called a “smear campaign” ahead of the elections. He cited a separate raid on the campaign office of PDP candidate Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, where security personnel allegedly detained over 20 party officials, including senior leaders. Masha likened the operations to “Gestapo tactics” and accused the APC of weaponizing state institutions to suppress opposition.
“If the APC truly believes in its popularity, it should let voters decide freely instead of relying on propaganda,” he asserted. He urged security agencies to maintain neutrality, warning that biased actions risked undermining the electoral process and stoking tensions in the state.
The clashes highlight recurring concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, where accusations of vote-buying and coercive tactics often surface. While the DSS has yet to publicly respond to the PDP’s claims, oversight groups have long called for greater transparency in campaign financing and enforcement of electoral laws.
Masha assured PDP supporters the party would challenge the arrests through legal channels and urged members to remain calm. “We will not be silenced,” he said. “Our focus is safeguarding democracy in Kaduna and ensuring every vote counts.”
The incident underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape, where opposition parties frequently allege abuse of power by incumbents. With by-elections viewed as a litmus test for broader electoral credibility, the Kaduna case has drawn attention to the challenges of maintaining fair play in a polarized environment.
As the PDP vows resistance, stakeholders emphasize the need for impartial enforcement of electoral guidelines to preserve public trust in the democratic process.
