The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed outrage over the recent arrest and public parade of its former lawmakers by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling the move a politically driven act.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, the PDP alleged that the arrests were masterminded by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, using the EFCC as an instrument of intimidation.
According to the statement, the 14 arrested former legislators, including a former Speaker, were deliberately targeted as part of a larger scheme to weaken the PDP and suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the parading of our members like common criminals,” Amande said. “This is nothing short of a political witch-hunt aimed at suppressing opposition voices and destabilising the current PDP-led administration in the state.”
The party described the public display of its members as degrading and warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and the integrity of law enforcement institutions in the country.
The PDP said its government inherited numerous unresolved issues from the previous APC-led administration but has chosen to focus on development instead of revenge politics.
“Despite inheriting numerous messes from the previous APC administration, our government has remained focused on delivering dividends of democracy,” the statement said.
The party further warned that using federal agencies for partisan purposes could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and undermine constitutional rights.
“The continued misuse of federal institutions like the EFCC for partisan interests could endanger Nigeria’s democratic process and violate the rights of citizens,” the PDP said.
It also called on party members and supporters to remain calm and not be distracted by what it termed as “politically motivated drama” orchestrated by the opposition.
“We urge our supporters not to be distracted by the antics of the APC but to remain steadfast in our collective pursuit of justice and equity,” Amande added.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and pledged to resist any effort aimed at weakening the party’s influence in Plateau State and across the country.
“The PDP remains steadfast and will resist any attempt to undermine democracy in Plateau State and Nigeria at large,” the statement concluded.
