Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State, Edward Percy Masha, has declared that the party will firmly oppose what it describes as the unlawful arrest and intimidation of government critics by officials and local government chairmen. Masha made the declaration on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of the party's Secretary, who had been serving in an acting capacity.
In a direct and unflinching address to the political establishment, Masha said the PDP would not remain silent in the face of alleged attempts by government officials and local government chairmen to suppress dissenting voices and intimidate citizens critical of Governor Uba Sani's administration. "We will resist any attempt to illegally arrest or intimidate people simply because they criticise the government," Masha said.
He insisted that elected and appointed public officials must operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the right to freedom of expression. Masha accused the state government of lacking transparency and accountability, citing the ongoing fertiliser distribution exercise as a "sham" allegedly designed to secure political advantage for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP chairman warned that the opposition would continue to scrutinise government activities and challenge any actions deemed unlawful or detrimental to the interests of Kaduna residents. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and demand accountability from those entrusted with public resources, stressing that democracy thrived on constructive criticism, openness and respect for the rule of law.
Masha's declaration comes amid growing concerns over alleged political repression in Kaduna State, where critics of the government have reportedly faced arrest and intimidation. In June 2026, Amnesty International condemned the arrest of a critic of Governor Uba Sani, describing the Kaduna State Government as "increasingly repressive" and accusing it of targeting critics and undermining freedom of expression. The organisation called for the unconditional release of the critic and expressed concern over the growing intimidation of Nigerians who use social media to comment on political and social issues.
The African Democratic Congress had also previously raised alarm over what it described as a sustained campaign of persecution against opposition figures in Kaduna State, citing the arrest and detention of some associates of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai as part of a broader strategy to intimidate opposition voices. The ADC accused security agencies, including the police, of carrying out arbitrary arrests and intimidation in several local government areas.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the PDP's vow to resist the arrest and intimidation of government critics sets the stage for a potential showdown between the opposition and the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kaduna State. Masha's warning that the party would not remain silent in the face of alleged attempts to suppress dissenting voices is a direct challenge to the Uba Sani administration, and a signal that the political battle for the soul of Kaduna State is far from over.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments