The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Kaduna State chapter has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of harassing it’s members ahead of the Governorship election.
“We have it on good authority that directive has been given by Governor Nasir el-rufai to security agencies in Kaduna State to arrest members of the PDP campaign management team. Already trumped up cases have been prepared for each of the members.
“Information reaching us is that the APC Government in Kaduna State has drawn up lists of people to be picked in various Local Government Areas in order to cripple the PDP. This is very unbecoming of an elected Governor who is on Oath to be fair to all.
“There are several acts of calculated harassment that the APC government has initiated against our members. We recall that on 30/01/2023, we had cause to write a petition to the Commissioner of Police when 14 of our members were randomly arrested in Kudan Local government. We wrote another petition on 01/03/2023 asking the Police to be mindful of plans by the APC to incite the public through the use of some Islamic clerics.
“We, the PDP, strongly condemn and reject this blatant abuse of power by the APC-led government. Though we agree that this harassment is because the APC in Kaduna is staring defeat in the coming elections, we want them to know that they would be held responsible if anything happens to our members currently in detention.
“We draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community to these undemocratic acts of harassment against PDP members in Kaduna state.
“We ask for either the immediate release of those arrested or they be charged to a competent court so that the needed legal process can start. Doing otherwise would amount to an infringement of their fundamental human rights and a clear misuse of state power.
“We also request that the security agencies in Kaduna State stay neutral in all the electoral processes in the state. This would help the state to stay peaceful before and after the March 18th Gubernatorial and state Assembly elections.
“The Assistant Campaign Director in charge of our broadcast department, Hon Saidu Adamu, has only been released on bail after being arrested by the DSS since 7th March 2023.
“We call on EFCC and other anti-corruption Agencies, security agencies alike to take necessary action by arresting trailer loads of rice, indomie, maggi, etc being sent to various Local Government Areas in the State to influence the poor voters”.