Ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, expressed deep concerns about the future of Nigeria's political landscape, particularly the 2027 elections, which he fears might be jeopardized by the continued erosion of democratic principles under the rule of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Secondus made these remarks in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The former PDP Chairman was responding to the controversial events and outcomes of the recent Edo State governorship election, which was held last Saturday.
According to Secondus, the election process was marred by significant irregularities, with every rule and norm seemingly disregarded in a bid to ensure the victory of the APC candidate at any cost.
He stated that these developments are clear indications that the ruling party is on a determined mission to “murder and bury democracy in Nigeria.”
Secondus further described the electoral process in Edo State as a blatant exhibition of electoral fraud, carried out with utter disregard for the rule of law and the will of the voters.
He pointed out that the results of recent off-circle elections conducted in Imo, Kogi, and Edo states reflect a disturbing trend, where the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, appears to have shown no remorse for the flawed 2023 general elections, which he believes threw Nigeria into a state of disarray.
Secondus also expressed alarm over the “shameless boast” made by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who suggested that the so-called Edo template would be applied in upcoming off-cycle elections in Ondo and Anambra states. He warned that if such tactics persist, it is unlikely that the 2027 elections will even take place, as the ruling party seems intent on creating a one-party state by suppressing opposition voices.
He emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in the presence of opposing voices, which serve as a check on the ruling party. However, he lamented that the APC is determined to silence these dissenting voices while continuing its misrule, thereby pushing Nigeria’s democracy to the brink of collapse.
Secondus cautioned that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is at grave risk, stating, “Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of rigging. If the Edo election result stands, it will become increasingly difficult to conduct credible elections in Nigeria in the future.”
He reiterated that the manipulation of the election in Edo State was glaring, beginning with the harassment and arrest of opposition leaders and the compromising of key players, such as security agencies and electoral officials.
Secondus concluded by noting that the world is watching the shameful spectacle that Nigeria is making of democracy, a system of government that other nations have successfully employed to achieve stability and development.