Release Arrested PDP Members – Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Alleged APC Crackdown

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the alleged arrest of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP had earlier accused the APC of intimidating and arresting its members under the guise of ‘Form K’ to disenfranchise them ahead of the election.

Reacting to the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that politics driven by intimidation and bitterness is unhealthy for democracy.

Naija News reports that she expressed her reservations at the PDP mega rally over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti.

She insisted that political parties and candidates should be allowed to compete based on the strength of their manifestos and ideas.

Natasha said, “I would just call on the government to please release those people arrested under our party. I do not believe politics should be practised on the grounds of bitterness.

“I believe politics should be such that candidates will be able to campaign on their well-written manifestos and allow the public to resonate with them on their ideals or philosophies. That’s how I believe politics should be practiced.

“I trust that the upcoming elections, which will be on the 20th of June 2026, will be fair and credible, hopefully.”

Responding to questions on concerns that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party state due to the growing number of defections to the ruling party, Senator Natasha dismissed such fears, maintaining that the country’s democratic system remains vibrant and competitive.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians not to entertain fears of a one-party system, noting that democracy thrives on competition and that other political parties should continue to organise and strengthen themselves.

She admitted that politics in Nigeria can be intense and fiercely contested, but stressed that the quest for political power must not come at the expense of democratic principles and citizens’ rights.