PDP defends n30m cash, says funds were for election logistics not vote buying

DDM News

(DDM) – The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied allegations of vote buying after one of its members, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, was arrested with N30 million cash.

DDM gathered that security operatives apprehended Pantagi during the ongoing by-elections, sparking controversy and accusations that the money was intended to influence voters.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the State Chairman of the PDP, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegations as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.”

According to Masha, the seized money was not meant for vote buying but strictly for logistics to support party agents and officials.

He explained that the PDP deployed over 5,000 agents across 169 wards in the state, each of whom required funding for welfare and allowances.

The chairman insisted that the N30 million amounted to little more than stipends when shared across the party’s structures during the by-election.

“Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics,” Masha stated.

He said multiplying the allowances of agents, supervisors, and collation officers across the wards would easily amount to over N30 million.

“To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” he declared.

The PDP chairman accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating security agencies to intimidate the opposition.

He alleged that the arrest was part of a broader plot by the Kaduna State government to weaken the PDP during the election.

Masha recalled that just a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign office of PDP’s candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki.

During the raid, several party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others, were arrested.

He said such acts of harassment amounted to the use of state power as a weapon against the opposition.

“If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide,” Masha argued.

He stressed that resorting to what he described as Gestapo-style intimidation only proved that the ruling party was afraid of losing.

The PDP chairman warned security agencies against compromising their neutrality, noting that their professionalism was critical to the credibility of the elections.

He further warned that biased actions by state institutions could threaten peace and erode public trust in democracy.

Masha called on PDP supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and resolute despite the alleged provocations.

He assured members that the party would explore all legal and constitutional channels to seek justice.

“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced,” he declared.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that democracy thrives in Kaduna State, and we will continue to protect that mandate,” he added.

Observers noted that the N30 million controversy has further heightened political tension in Kaduna, a state already seen as a key battleground in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

As of press time, security operatives had not released an official statement clarifying the status of the seized money or the fate of Pantagi.

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