Seized N25.9m was for welfare of 5,000 party agents, not vote buying – Kaduna PDP

• Kaduna PDP Chairman Edward Masha said N25.9 million seized from party member was logistics fund for 6,000 agents across three constituencies
• Party alleges harassment by security operatives and claims APC is weaponizing state institutions to intimidate opposition during by-elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna claims the N25.9 million cash seized from one of its members during Saturday’s by-election was intended for the benefit of 5,000 party agents.

On Saturday, police arrested Shehu Aliyu Patangi with approximately N25,963,000 at a popular hotel on Turunku Road in Kaduna.

The police claimed that the seized cash was set aside to entice voters at the polls.

By-elections were held on Saturday in three Kaduna constituencies: Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency, Basawa state constituency, and Zaria/Kewaye state constituency.

Speaking at a press conference, Kaduna PDP chairman Edward Masha stated that the N25.9 million was not intended for vote buying, as the police had claimed.

Masha said PDP mobilised over 6,000 agents across the three constituencies for the by-election, adding that the funds were meant for the welfare of the agents and supervisors.

“Let me make it clear that money was for election logistics,” he said.

“We have 169 polling units. We have party agents, supervisors, and collation officers across the three constituencies. Even if you give them N3,000 each, it is over N30 million.

“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 Kaduna PDP chairman alleged that the party has been the target of harassment by security operatives “at the behest of the Kaduna state government”.

He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.

Masha said security operatives on Friday raided the campaign council office of Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, PDP candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency.

He alleged that party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others, were whisked away during the raid.