The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended one of its members, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, who was arrested by security operatives with N30 million in cash.

The party insisted the money was strictly meant for election logistics and allowances for party agents, not for vote buying as alleged.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, the state PDP chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and politically motivated,” stressing that the seized funds were intended to support the welfare and operations of party agents during the ongoing by-elections across the state.

Masha explained that the PDP had deployed over 5,000 agents across 169 wards in Kaduna, as well as supervisors and collation officers, all of whom require mobilisation and allowances.

“Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics. If you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30m. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” he said.

The PDP chairman accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to intimidate the opposition. He alleged that security agencies were acting under the influence of the state government, pointing to a raid on the campaign office of PDP’s Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency candidate, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, where several party leaders, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and more than 18 others, were arrested.

According to him, the wave of arrests and the seizure of campaign funds showed the APC’s desperation ahead of the polls.

“If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide. Resorting to Gestapo tactics and propaganda only shows they are scared of defeat,” Masha declared.

He called on security agencies to remain professional and neutral, warning that compromising their role could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and destabilise peace in Kaduna State.

Masha also urged PDP members and supporters to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that the party would explore all legal and constitutional means to challenge intimidation.

“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. Our responsibility is to ensure that democracy thrives in Kaduna State. We call on our members and supporters to stay strong, vote their conscience, and reject every attempt to manipulate the process,” he said.

The PDP further appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to monitor the by-elections closely, warning that democracy in the state was “under serious threat.”