The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest and alleged illegal detention of its Chikun/Kajuru House of Representatives candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and the party’s Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Kaduna PDP Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the development as a clampdown on opposition voices orchestrated by the state government using federal security and anti-graft agencies.

He demanded the immediate release of the detained party officials, warning that the PDP would not tolerate “blatant abuse of power and disregard for democracy.”

Masha alleged that Dawaki was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, and subsequently detained without bail.

He added that Fatangi had remained in EFCC custody for 12 days despite fulfilling all conditions for administrative bail.

The PDP chairman recalled that during the August 16 bye-election, security operatives attached to Operation Fushin Kada, a state-backed security outfit, allegedly raided a hotel serving as the party’s campaign office, arrested key figures, and seized campaign funds meant for logistics.

“Our campaign DG was later transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS), paraded as a PDP agent caught with money for vote-buying, and eventually handed over to the EFCC. This is a clear case of executive rascality and a shameless attack on democracy,” Masha stated.

He warned that unless the detained officials were released immediately, the PDP would mobilize its members across Kaduna to occupy the EFCC facility in protest.

“We appeal to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, to intervene before the situation degenerates into an uncontrollable crisis,” Masha added.

The opposition party stressed its resolve to defend democracy in Kaduna State, insisting that it would resist any attempt to use state institutions to intimidate its members.

“The PDP will not sit idly by while government agencies are weaponized against our members. We will continue to hold the government accountable and defend the rights of our members and citizens at all times. This, I promise,” Masha declared.