The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced 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 (EFCC). The two were taken into custody after more than N39 million was discovered during the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye‑election.
According to Maria Dogo, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Kaduna State, the party is troubled by the continued detention of Dawaki and Fatangi, especially since 25 other arrested individuals have already been released. The PDP argues that this disparity highlights the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) desperation to use security and anti‑graft agencies to intimidate and suppress the opposition.
The PDP’s legal team filed an application with the Kaduna State High Court seeking Fatangi’s release. However, before the application could be decided, the EFCC arraigned both Fatangi and Dawaki before the Federal High Court on charges of money laundering and alleged vote buying.
The party has expressed sympathy for the families of the detained individuals and pledged to secure their release as quickly as possible. It warns that the arrests raise serious concerns about the use of security agencies to influence political outcomes and accuses the APC of harassing and intimidating opposition members, thereby undermining the democratic process.
The PDP views this development as a significant challenge to Nigeria’s electoral system and is calling for the immediate release of its members. The Kaduna State chapter has vowed to continue its efforts to free Dawaki and Fatangi, emphasizing its commitment to 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 broader implications for the country’s political landscape.
The EFCC’s actions have also prompted questions about the agency’s independence and its role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
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