(DDM) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has accused Governor Uba Sani of using security agencies to intimidate opponents following police invitations extended to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his allies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the party’s Publicity Secretary, Maria Dogo, described the move as a clear case of political persecution and witch-hunt.
According to Dogo, the invitations have little to do with law enforcement and more to do with silencing those who oppose the governor’s camp.
She argued that most of those summoned by the police are individuals who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) after clashing with the governor’s inner circle.
The PDP spokesperson maintained that the case was designed to punish politicians who refused to align with the ruling group in Kaduna.
She tied the controversy to the disputed 2023 governorship election, which the PDP insists was manipulated to favour the APC.
Dogo declared that El-Rufai deprived the PDP of its rightful mandate during that election and installed Uba Sani as his successor.
She insisted that the current crisis was evidence that El-Rufai was now suffering the consequences of his political manoeuvres.
“Although I don’t want to react to it, let me tell you, El-Rufai is only reaping what he sowed,” she said.
The PDP spokesperson accused Governor Sani of hiding behind security agencies to clamp down on rivals under the guise of legal action.
She lamented that law enforcement institutions, instead of being neutral, were increasingly being weaponized for political battles.
According to her, this trend undermines democracy, stifles opposition voices, and breeds fear among citizens who hold dissenting opinions.
The Kaduna PDP further warned that the intimidation of political rivals would not address the pressing challenges facing the state.
It argued that democracy can only thrive when there is tolerance, fairness, and open space for participation by all political actors.
The party said targeting individuals on the basis of political differences would only deepen divisions and destabilize the state’s fragile peace.
Political analysts note that the rift between Governor Sani and his predecessor El-Rufai has widened in recent months.
Some view the police invitations as a reflection of shifting alliances within the ruling APC in Kaduna.
Others argue that the development could escalate political tensions ahead of future elections in the state.
For the PDP, however, the matter is also a reminder of what it calls the “stolen mandate” of 2023.
The party has repeatedly claimed that El-Rufai’s administration rigged the polls to deny its candidate victory.
Now, with El-Rufai facing scrutiny, PDP leaders are framing the situation as political karma.
Still, Dogo stressed that her party opposes using police powers to settle political scores, regardless of who is affected.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s security institutions must remain professional, impartial, and committed to justice for all.
The unfolding situation has left Kaduna politics in a state of uncertainty, with accusations flying across party lines.
Observers say how Governor Sani and the police handle the matter may shape the state’s political landscape going forward.
For now, the PDP insists it will resist any attempt to silence opposition voices in Kaduna.