Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, and the leading opposition party in the state, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have clashed over alleged vote-buying in the on-going by-election in the state.

The election was held on Saturday across 16 constituencies in 12 states, including Kaduna, across the country.

The major parties In the race are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Daily Trust had earlier reported how the Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, arrested a suspected vote-buyer and recovered N25,963,000.

According to the police, preliminary investigations confirmed that the suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, had planned to use the money to induce eligible voters; a crime he reportedly confessed to and pleaded for leniency during interrogation.

Voter-buyer belongs to the opposition party –Commissioner

But speaking to journalists while assessing the conduct of the by-election in Zaria and Sabon gari local government areas, Maiyaki, alleged that the suspected vote-buyer belongs to the opposition party.

He said the oppositeion member was caught with the cash in the hotel, stressing that the pictures are there for everyone to see.

“Votes are not for sale; votes are meant for people to cast based on their conscience,” the commissioner said.

He dismissed claims that the ruling APC was planning to rig the on-going election.

Seized money for election logistics, welfare of polling unit agents –PDP

However, the Kaduna State chapter of the PDP dismissed the allegations of vote-buying, maintaining that the money was intended solely for election logistics and the welfare of its polling unit agents.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the state Chairman of the party, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the claims of vote buying as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.”

“That money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N25.9m. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians,” Masha stated.

He explained that over 5,000 PDP agents were deployed across constituencies participating in the by-election, stressing that it is normal for political parties to fund their agents and officials during polls.

The PDP chairman further accused the ruling APC of instigating harassment against the opposition through security operatives.

He recalled that only a day earlier, the PDP campaign office for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency was raided and several party leaders including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and 18 others were arrested.

“This clearly shows desperation on the part of the APC, which is jittery about losing the by-elections. If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide. Resorting to propaganda and intimidation only proves they are scared of defeat,” Masha said.

But the PDP chieftain while appealing to security agencies to remain impartial, warned that compromising professionalism could endanger both the credibility of the elections and peace in Kaduna State.

He also urged PDP supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the party would pursue justice through constitutional means.

“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced,” he vowed, adding, “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.” (Weekend Trust)