The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has strongly condemned what it described as an act of injustice against its spokesman, Sani Dododo.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the state party chairman, Usman Bello Suru, said, “We are in a democratic era where freedom of speech is a right guaranteed to every citizen of this country.”
Controversy erupted after Dododo appeared on a live phone-in radio programme, following the defection of three senators—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Aminu Bande—from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The programme sparked criticism from the ruling party, which described Dododo’s statements as “unguarded utterances” and “inciting comments.”
Subsequently, Dododo was arraigned before a Sharia court, which ordered his detention in prison for two weeks.
The PDP has alleged that the Kebbi State government is manipulating the judiciary to suppress dissent. “This act is clearly meant to intimidate the opposition and instill fear,” said Chairman Bello.
He added, “Dododo’s comments reflect the position of the party and the sentiments of the general public. We are not cowards, and we will never be afraid to speak out. No amount of intimidation will stop us from telling the truth.”
In response, the PDP has engaged a team of lawyers to challenge the matter in court and defend the rights of its spokesman.
