Accusations Emerge Over APS Primary Detention
Ahmed Saleh, a former candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives election representing the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency in Katsina State, has alleged that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) detained him to impede his participation in the party’s primaries.
Details Surrounding Saleh’s Arrest
During a press briefing on Saturday evening following the contentious APC primaries, Saleh asserted that his detention was orchestrated by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda. He claimed that the motive was to prevent him from actively engaging in the electoral process.
Primary Election Results
According to Shafiu Abdu Dwane, chairman of the APC electoral committee for the constituency, Saleh received 1,256 votes, ultimately losing to Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Girls Education and Child Development, who garnered 24,989 votes.
Saleh’s Claims of Impropriety
Saleh expressed his shock over the circumstances surrounding his detention, stating, “DSS operatives came and summoned me to the state headquarters on the instructions of His Excellency Governor Dikko Umar Radda. They arrested me, detained me and never allowed me to go to the Mani local government where the primary elections were to be held.” His team of volunteers reinforced his claims, alleging that they spent the duration of the primaries in DSS custody, only being released after the elections concluded.
Concerns Raised Over the Election Process
Following his release, Saleh claimed that no genuine direct primary elections took place during his confinement. Despite the anticipation of party members and supporters, he said the event devolved into a closed process that ultimately favored the governor’s aide.
Saleh’s Response to the Allegations
Describing the situation as a “daylight usurpation” of his mandate, Saleh accused Governor Radda and unidentified figures within the party of undermining his ambitions, despite his demonstrated loyalty to the APC.
Governor’s Office Responds
In response to Saleh’s allegations, Maiwada Dhanmalaram, the Media Director for Governor Radda, stated that the Governor lacks constitutional authority to direct security agencies, including the DSS. He emphasized that while governors are recognized as chief security officers of their respective states, they do not oversee the day-to-day operations of these entities.
Mr. Dhanmalaram argued that it is unreasonable for disgruntled candidates to accuse Governor Radda of orchestrating their detentions. He further underscored that the DSS is best positioned to elucidate the circumstances surrounding Saleh’s arrest and the complaints made by the APC aspirant.
