The Kaduna State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of its candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and her Campaign Director General, Shehu Fatangi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The duo was taken into custody following the discovery of over N39 million during the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election.
According to Maria Dogo, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State, the party is worried about the continuous detention of Dawaki and Fatangi, citing the release of 25 other arrested individuals while the pair remains in custody. This development, the party claims, highlights the desperation of the All Progressives Congress to utilize security and anti-graft agencies to intimidate and suppress the opposition.
The PDP’s legal team had filed an application with the Kaduna State High Court to secure Fatangi’s release, but before the application could be determined, the EFCC arraigned both Fatangi and Dawaki before the Federal High Court on charges of money laundering and alleged vote buying. The party has extended sympathy to the families of the detained individuals, assuring them of its commitment to securing their release as soon as possible.
The arrest and detention of Dawaki and Fatangi have sparked concerns about the use of security agencies to influence political outcomes. The PDP has accused the APC of attempting to harass and intimidate opposition members, undermining the democratic process. The development is seen as a significant challenge to the country’s electoral system, with the PDP calling for the immediate release of its members.
The Kaduna State PDP has vowed to continue its efforts to secure the release of Dawaki and Fatangi, emphasizing its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the party’s actions will be closely watched, and the outcome is likely to have implications for the country’s political landscape. The EFCC’s actions have also raised questions about the agency’s independence and its role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
