The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly defended one of its prominent members, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, following his arrest by security operatives who intercepted him with the sum of N30 million in cash. The arrest, which has stirred widespread controversy and fueled political tension in the state, was quickly linked by opponents to allegations of vote buying, a claim the PDP has come out to vehemently reject.
In a press briefing on Saturday in Kaduna, the state PDP chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, maintained that the seized cash was designated solely for lawful election purposes. He explained that the funds were strictly for election logistics, including the mobilisation, transportation, and allowances of party agents deployed across the state for the ongoing by-elections. According to him, insinuations that the money was earmarked for electoral malpractice were nothing but “false, malicious, and politically motivated fabrications” designed to tarnish the image of the party and weaken its structure ahead of the polls.
Masha highlighted that the PDP had strategically mobilised over 5,000 party agents covering 169 wards in Kaduna State. In addition to this, supervisors, unit representatives, and collation officers were dispatched to various locations. He stressed that each of these individuals was entitled to allowances to facilitate their duties and ensure smooth participation in the elections. “When you calculate the combined cost of allowances and logistics for this massive deployment, you will see clearly that the figure goes far beyond the N30 million seized. To mischievously label such election logistics as vote buying is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public,” the PDP chairman stated.
He further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the arrest and seizure through undue influence on state security agencies. According to him, the APC has resorted to intimidation tactics because it fears losing credibility at the ballot box. Masha cited a recent raid on the campaign office of PDP’s Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, during which key party leaders and officials, including the publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 other members, were arrested under controversial circumstances. He insisted that such actions were direct evidence of the APC’s desperation and reliance on oppressive tactics rather than democratic engagement.
“If the APC is truly confident of the work it has done in office, then it should face the electorate squarely and allow the people to decide. Resorting to Gestapo-style intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and cheap propaganda is nothing but proof that they are afraid of defeat,” Masha declared. He urged the electorate to remain vigilant and resist being swayed by misinformation designed to discredit the PDP.
Calling on security agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities with neutrality and fairness, Masha warned that compromising the independence of law enforcement in favour of the ruling party would have dangerous consequences. He noted that the politicisation of the security apparatus not only jeopardises the integrity of the electoral process but also risks destabilising the fragile peace in Kaduna State. “The duty of security institutions is to protect the people and democracy, not to serve as political tools. We demand professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties,” he emphasised.
The PDP chairman reassured party members and supporters that the leadership was prepared to pursue every legal and constitutional avenue to challenge the intimidation and harassment meted out against them. He called on members to remain calm, steadfast, and united in the face of provocation. “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. Our commitment is to ensure democracy thrives in Kaduna State. We call on our members and supporters to stay strong, cast their votes according to their conscience, and reject every attempt to manipulate or derail the process,” Masha added.
In conclusion, the PDP appealed to civil society organisations, independent observers, the media, and the international community to pay close attention to the unfolding events in Kaduna. The party emphasised that the credibility of the ongoing by-elections was under “serious threat,” warning that unchecked intimidation and abuse of state institutions could erode public trust in democracy. “The world must see what is happening here. The people of Kaduna deserve free, fair, and credible elections. Anything less will be a disservice not just to this state, but to Nigeria’s democracy as a whole,” Masha warned solemnly.