Breaking: Kaduna PDP Speaks Out After Security Operatives Arrested Official With N30m Cash
- Kaduna PDP defended Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, saying the seized N30m was for election logistics, not vote buying
- Chairman Masha accused APC of using security agencies to intimidate opposition during by-elections
- PDP vows to remain resolute, urged neutrality from security forces, and calls on civil society and media to monitor the polls
The Kaduna chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended its member, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, who was recently arrested by security operatives while allegedly carrying N30 million in cash.
The party insists the money was strictly intended for election logistics and party agents, not vote buying.
Source: UGC
Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, August 16, Kaduna PDP chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha described the allegation as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.” He maintained that the funds were meant to support PDP agents and officials deployed during the by-elections across the state.
“Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30m. That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” Masha said.
Allegations of harassment by security agencies
The PDP chairman alleged that the party has been targeted by security agencies working, in his words, “at the behest of the Kaduna State government.”
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponising state institutions to intimidate opposition members.
Masha recalled that only a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign office of PDP candidate Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, detaining several party officials including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth and women leaders, and over 18 others.
PDP vows to continue participation
According to Masha, the spate of arrests and seizures showed desperation on the part of the APC, which he claimed is nervous about losing the by-elections.
He stressed that intimidation would not deter the PDP from participating fully in the polls.
“If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide. Resorting to Gestapo tactics and propaganda only shows they are scared of defeat,” he declared.
Call for neutrality and vigilance
Masha urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, warning that compromising their role could endanger the integrity of the electoral process and peace in Kaduna State.
He also appealed to PDP supporters to remain calm and resolute, assuring them that the party would pursue justice through all legal and constitutional means.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. Our responsibility is to ensure that democracy thrives in Kaduna State. We call on our members and supporters to stay strong, vote their conscience, and reject every attempt to manipulate the process,” he said.
The PDP chairman further called on civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to focus on Kaduna’s by-elections, warning that democracy in the state is “under serious threat.”
Source: Legit.ng
