The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna says the N25.9 million cash seized from one of its members during Saturday’s by-election was meant for the welfare of 5,000 party agents.
On Saturday, police officers arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi with about N25,963,000 at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
The police alleged that the seized cash was set aside to induce voters during the polls.
By-elections took place on Saturday in three constituencies in Kaduna — Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency, Basawa state constituency, and Zaria/Kewaye state constituency.
Speaking at a press conference, Edward Masha, Kaduna PDP chairman, said the N25.9 million was not meant for vote buying as alleged by the police.
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.