The Department of State Services (DSS) has yesterday night struck a major blow against electoral malpractice in Kaduna, arresting a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fatange, with a staggering cash of about ₦30 million allegedly set aside to buy votes in today’s bye-elections.
Fatange was apprehended Friday evening at a hotel in Kaduna metropolis, where he was coordinating the illicit distribution of funds to sway voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency poll.
According to impeccable security sources, the suspect was caught red-handed with the money, which investigators believe was meant to compromise the integrity of the elections and tilt the outcome in favour of his party.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the arrest. Its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the suspect was in custody and under investigation, stressing that security agencies were working hand-in-hand to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
The dramatic bust comes against a backdrop of rising tension, with parties trading accusations of desperate politicians’ planned vote-buying, thuggery to rig the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria and Sabon-Gari constituencies.
While details of the sting remain under wraps, the DSS and police assured that investigations are ongoing, urging voters to stay calm and troop out peacefully to exercise their franchise today.
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