Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has raised alarm about the potential absence of the year 2027 in Nigeria’s political landscape, attributing this to the decline in democratic values under the current ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Secondus articulated his concerns in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Tuesday. His remarks were prompted by the recent governorship election in Edo State, held last Saturday, which he claims was manipulated to ensure the victory of the APC candidate, disregarding established electoral rules.
He warned that there are clear indications the ruling party is intent on “murdering and burying democracy in Nigeria.” Secondus described the events in Edo State as a blatant display of electoral fraud, lacking respect for the rule of law and the will of the electorate.
Highlighting the outcomes of recent off-cycle elections in Imo, Kogi, and Edo states, he expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has shown no accountability for the flawed elections conducted in 2023, which he believes have severely undermined Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Furthermore, he criticized APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje for his “shameless boast” about replicating the Edo model in future off-cycle elections in Ondo and Anambra states. Secondus suggested that the ruling party’s ultimate goal is to establish a one-party state by suppressing opposition voices.
Secondus said, “The beauty of democracy is the opposing voices that help to check the ruling party but APC is set to ground Nigeria with their misrule yet won’t tolerate variance views.
“Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on the keg of gunpowder because of rigging. If the Edo Election stands it will be difficult to carry on elections in Nigeria going forward.”
He emphasized that the manipulation of the election in Edo State was flagrant, commencing with the harassment and detention of opposition leaders, as well as the compromising of key figures such as security personnel and electoral officials.
“The World is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations apply to stabilize and develop their countries.” He quipped.