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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has rejected allegations by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the arrest, detention and prosecution of some ADC members and supporters were politically motivated.
The APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Assalafi, made the position known on Tuesday during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, where he responded to claims recently raised by Senator Maidoki.
Assalafi said allegations of political persecution were serious and should be backed by verifiable evidence rather than political statements or media pronouncements.
He challenged the ADC and Senator Maidoki to produce any evidence showing that the Kebbi State Government directed security agencies to arrest or target individuals because of their political affiliation.
According to him, allegations of misconduct, abuse of power or political interference by security personnel should be formally reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
“The security agencies have statutory responsibilities which they must discharge in accordance with the law,” Assalafi said, stressing that political actors should not dictate how law-enforcement agencies conduct legitimate investigations.
He maintained that the APC-led administration in Kebbi had continued to support security agencies with operational vehicles, logistics and other resources to strengthen their ability to respond to security threats across the state.
Assalafi said the support was particularly important in vulnerable communities and farming areas where security challenges could affect the safety and livelihoods of residents.
He added that the state government remained committed to strengthening its security architecture and supporting lawful measures designed to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent criminal activities.
The APC spokesman, however, stressed that his party would not support the persecution of any citizen on the basis of political affiliation.
He also said political affiliation should not be used as a shield against legitimate investigation or prosecution where there was evidence of alleged wrongdoing.
Assalafi consequently called on the ADC and other political stakeholders to respect the rule of law and avoid politicising law-enforcement activities.
He urged all parties to channel complaints involving alleged misconduct by security agencies through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms, rather than relying solely on public statements.
The APC maintained that legitimate investigations and prosecutions should be allowed to proceed according to established legal procedures, while any proven abuse of power should equally be subjected to appropriate investigation and accountability.
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