Following Wednesday’s invitation and subsequent detention of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in Taraba State for the 2027 general elections, his campaign organisation has accused the State Governor Agbu Kefas of using State institutions to intimidate, harass and suppress formidable opponents in the State.

Mr Joshua Yohanna Nafinji, Special Assistant on Media, Office of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha disclose this in a statement issued in Jalingo on Thursday evening.

He noted that the Senator and his team are law-abiding citizens and respect institutions of government, using same to intimidate opposition amounts to abuse of power.

“The events of the past Twenty-four hours have only reinforced what many discerning Nigerians and the people of Taraba State have long suspected: that state institutions are increasingly being used to intimidate and persecute political opponents.

“While we continue to respect the constitutional mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies, we have every reason to believe that the circumstances surrounding the invitation extended to Senator Emmanuel Bwacha are politically motivated and form part of a broader pattern of persecution against formidable opposition figures in Taraba State.

“This is not an isolated incident. The people of Taraba will recall the experience of former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, who also faced circumstances that many considered politically motivated during the 2026 APC governorship primary contest. Similarly, former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, was effectively eliminated from the APC governorship race while he was facing EFCC investigations at the time. Hon. Bello Bodejo also experienced what many perceived as politically motivated actions that ultimately removed him from the APC senatorial contest, paving the way for what was widely perceived as the administration’s preferred candidate.

“Likewise, questions have been publicly raised regarding the disappearance of Hon. Muktar Kawujo barely twenty-four hours before the PDP primaries amid fears among his supporters that, if he emerged victorious, he would pose a formidable challenge to the APC candidate in the Central Zone Senatorial District during the general election. His alleged abduction by law enforcement officers became the subject of widespread public discussion and media commentary. Whether viewed individually or collectively, these developments have fuelled growing public concern about the possible abuse of state institutions for partisan political purposes.

“We are deeply concerned by what appears to be a disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, unlawful detention, and the deployment of state institutions against perceived political rivals. If such perceptions continue to grow, they risk undermining democratic governance, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of citizens.

“Rather than weaken Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, these developments have generated overwhelming sympathy, solidarity, and support from across Taraba State and beyond. Within the last twenty-four hours, countless Nigerians have expressed concern over what they perceive as an attempt to silence a leading opposition voice through intimidation rather than democratic engagement.

“We therefore call on the current administration of the Taraba State Government to strengthen public confidence by ensuring that democracy flourishes through fairness, tolerance, transparency, and healthy political competition rather than actions capable of creating the impression that state institutions are being used for political advantage. Political differences should never become grounds for persecution or intimidation.

“This is no longer merely about Senator Emmanuel Bwacha. It is about protecting democracy, defending the rule of law, safeguarding fundamental human rights, preserving the independence of public institutions, and ensuring that every citizen can participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation.

“We call on civil society organisations, democratic institutions, the media, and all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and to speak against any action that undermines democratic principles, regardless of who is affected

“Senator Emmanuel Bwacha remains resolute, law-abiding, and unwavering in his commitment to the people of Taraba State. No amount of intimidation or perceived political persecution will deter him from pursuing justice, good governance, and the democratic aspirations of the people” the Statement reads in parts. (Daily Sun)

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