Kaduna, Nigeria – August 26, 2025 – The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the administration of Governor Uba Sani of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on opposition voices, following the detention of its Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and the prolonged custody of its Campaign Director General, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the party condemned the arrests as a blatant abuse of state power and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles, raising concerns about the shrinking space for political opposition in the state.
The statement, signed by the PDP’s State Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, detailed a series of events that the party claims illustrate a deliberate campaign to suppress its activities and intimidate its members. The allegations come in the wake of the August 16 by-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, a contest that exposed deep political tensions in Kaduna State. The PDP’s accusations point to a broader trend of alleged political persecution, raising questions about the impartiality of state institutions and the role of security and anti-graft agencies in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
A Coordinated Assault on Opposition
According to the PDP, the detention of Dawaki and Fatangi is part of a calculated effort by the Sani administration to silence opposition voices and undermine the party’s ability to compete effectively in the political arena. The statement described the arrests as a “flagrant abuse of state authority” and a “direct affront to democratic values,” accusing the state government of weaponizing security agencies to target PDP members.
The party claimed that Dawaki, its candidate in the recent by-election, was summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, and detained without bail. The PDP further alleged that Fatangi, the party’s Campaign Director General, has been held in EFCC custody for 12 days, despite reportedly meeting all conditions for administrative bail. The prolonged detention of both leaders, the party argued, is evidence of a deliberate strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of future electoral contests.
“This action is a glaring example of executive excess, reflecting a climate where force dictates justice,” the PDP’s statement asserted. The party warned that such actions threaten the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, accusing the Sani administration of using state power to suppress dissent and stifle political competition.
The By-Election Flashpoint
The PDP’s grievances trace back to the events surrounding the August 16 by-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, a contest triggered by a vacancy in the House of Representatives. According to the party, the eve of the election saw a dramatic escalation of tensions when security personnel, operating under the banner of “Operation Fushin Kada,” allegedly stormed a hotel in Kaduna that served as the PDP’s campaign office. The operation, which the party claims was orchestrated by the state government, resulted in the arrest of Dawaki, Fatangi, and other campaign leaders.
The PDP further alleged that security operatives confiscated campaign funds intended for election logistics, effectively crippling the party’s ability to mobilize voters. The operation, described by the PDP as a “brazen act of intimidation,” was purportedly carried out under the pretext of curbing electoral malpractices. However, the party insists that the arrests and seizures were politically motivated, aimed at undermining its chances in the by-election.
In a particularly contentious development, the PDP claimed that Fatangi was subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), where he was publicly labeled as a PDP operative involved in vote buying. The party vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as a smear campaign designed to tarnish its reputation and justify the detention of its members. Fatangi was later transferred back to the EFCC, where he remains in custody, according to the PDP’s statement.
The party’s account of these events paints a troubling picture of state-sponsored repression, with security agencies allegedly acting as tools of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to target opposition figures. The PDP argued that the arrests and public vilification of its members are part of a broader pattern of political persecution in Kaduna State, where the opposition faces increasing obstacles in exercising its democratic rights.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
In response to the detentions, the PDP has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dawaki, Fatangi, and any other party members currently in custody. The party warned that failure to comply would prompt it to mobilize supporters across Kaduna State for mass demonstrations at the EFCC’s facility in the state capital. Such protests, the PDP noted, would aim to draw national and international attention to the alleged misuse of state institutions to suppress political opposition.
The party also issued a direct appeal to EFCC Chairman Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, urging him to intervene and ensure that the agency remains impartial in its operations. The PDP accused the EFCC of being complicit in the state government’s efforts to target opposition figures, arguing that the agency’s actions risk undermining public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
“We will not sit idly by while our members are oppressed,” the PDP’s statement declared. “The PDP remains steadfast in defending democracy and will continue to hold the government accountable.” The party’s defiant tone reflects its determination to resist what it perceives as an orchestrated campaign to marginalize the opposition in Kaduna State.
A Broader Context of Political Tensions
The PDP’s allegations come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Kaduna State, a region known for its complex ethnic, religious, and political dynamics. Governor Uba Sani, who assumed office in May 2023, has faced criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups for what they describe as an authoritarian approach to governance. The PDP’s claims of political persecution echo similar accusations made by other opposition groups, who argue that the Sani administration has sought to consolidate power by targeting dissenting voices.
Kaduna’s political landscape has long been a battleground for Nigeria’s major political parties, with the APC and PDP vying for dominance in a state that is both strategically and economically significant. The Chikun/Kajuru by-election, while a localized contest, was seen as a litmus test for the broader political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PDP’s defeat in the by-election, coupled with the arrests of its key figures, has fueled speculation that the ruling party is resorting to extra-legal measures to maintain its grip on power.
The PDP’s statement also raises broader questions about the role of security and anti-graft agencies in Nigeria’s political system. The EFCC and DSS have frequently been accused of being used as tools of political vendetta, with successive administrations allegedly deploying them to target opponents. The PDP’s appeal to the EFCC chairman underscores the party’s belief that these agencies must operate independently to maintain their credibility and uphold democratic principles.
The Human Toll of Political Persecution
Beyond the political implications, the PDP’s statement highlights the human toll of the alleged crackdown. Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, a rising figure in Kaduna politics, was seen as a formidable candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru by-election, representing the PDP’s efforts to field strong and diverse candidates. Her detention, the party argues, is not only an attack on her political aspirations but also a message to other opposition figures that dissent will not be tolerated.
Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Fatangi’s prolonged detention has raised concerns about the treatment of political detainees. The PDP claims that Fatangi, a respected figure in the party, has been subjected to undue hardship, with his detention extending beyond what is legally permissible. The party’s assertion that he fulfilled all conditions for administrative bail but remains in custody further fuels allegations of selective justice.
The PDP’s call for protests signals the potential for escalation, with the risk of unrest in Kaduna State if the situation remains unresolved. The state has a history of political and communal violence, and any large-scale demonstrations could exacerbate existing tensions. The PDP’s leadership has emphasized that it seeks a peaceful resolution but is prepared to take further action to protect its members and defend democratic principles.
A Test for Nigeria’s Democracy
The developments in Kaduna State represent a critical test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. As one of Africa’s largest democracies, Nigeria has made significant strides in consolidating democratic governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999. However, recurring allegations of political persecution, electoral malpractices, and the misuse of state institutions continue to undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The PDP’s accusations against the Sani administration highlight the challenges of ensuring a level playing field for all political actors. In a country where power is often contested through fierce and sometimes violent means, the ability of opposition parties to operate freely is a key indicator of democratic health. The PDP’s vow to hold the government accountable reflects its role as a watchdog, but it also underscores the precarious state of political pluralism in Kaduna.
The party’s appeal to the EFCC chairman also points to the need for institutional reform. For Nigeria to strengthen its democracy, agencies like the EFCC and DSS must operate with transparency and impartiality, free from political influence. The PDP’s call for swift intervention by the EFCC leadership is a reminder that the credibility of these institutions is at stake when they are perceived as tools of political repression.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Kaduna State and the response of both the state government and the EFCC. The PDP’s threat of protests, while a legitimate form of political expression, carries the risk of further polarizing an already divided state. The Sani administration, for its part, has yet to respond publicly to the PDP’s allegations, leaving room for speculation about its intentions and next steps.
For now, the PDP remains resolute in its demand for justice. The party’s statement concluded with a reaffirmation of its commitment to defending democracy and protecting its members from what it describes as state-sponsored oppression. “The PDP will not be cowed,” Sir Edward Percy Masha declared, signaling the party’s readiness to escalate its response if necessary.
The detention of Dawaki and Fatangi is more than a local political dispute; it is a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance power, accountability, and democratic freedom. As the PDP rallies its supporters and the nation watches, the outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for Kaduna State and Nigeria’s democratic future.
