Kaduna by- election: PDP claims seized 30 million by DSS for party agents, not vote buying
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kaduna Chapter, said the 30 million Naira allegedly discovered by DSS in what they termed, arbitrary arrest of PDP executives in their home, was meant for pay to party agents during the by election
DAILYPOST recalls that the DSS and other security agencies stormed the PDP’s executive private home, arrested some members with 30 million Naira allegedly meant for vote buying
Speaking during a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the State Chairman of the party, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegation of vote buying as “false, malicious, and politically motivated,” maintaining that the seized funds were intended to facilitate the work of PDP agents and officials during the by-elections across the state.
He said every political party mobilises agents, supervisors, and collation officers during elections, and such structures require funding.
He noted that with over 5,000 PDP agents deployed across the constituencies, the seized N30m amounted to little more than stipends for their welfare.
“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,” the PDP Chairman said.
Masha lamented that the party has been the target of harassment 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 the opposition.
He recalled that only a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign council office of the PDP candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and whisked away several party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others.
“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.
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 will 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 added
Kaduna by- election: PDP claims seized 30 million by DSS for party agents, not vote buying
