ABUJA – Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has expressed grave concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, asserting that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has effectively “murdered and buried” democratic governance in the country. In a statement released on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus warned that the 2027 general elections may never happen due to the APC’s alleged destruction of democratic processes.
Secondus’s remarks followed the controversial outcome of last Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial election. He claimed that the election was marred by widespread violations, stating that “every rule was turned upside down” to ensure victory for the APC candidate. According to the former PDP chairman, the manner in which the election was conducted showed the APC’s intent to “murder and bury democracy in Nigeria.”
He further characterized the election as a blatant display of electoral fraud, accusing the ruling party of disregarding both the rule of law and the will of the voters. Secondus also pointed to a broader pattern, citing off-cycle elections in Imo, Kogi, and Edo states as examples of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) continued failure to conduct free and fair elections. He criticized INEC, led by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for not demonstrating any accountability following the alleged flaws in the 2023 general elections.
Secondus’s statement also took aim at the APC’s leadership. He specifically referred to remarks made by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who reportedly boasted that the APC would use the “Edo template” in upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra states. According to Secondus, these comments reflect the ruling party’s determination to undermine democratic principles and establish a one-party state by stifling opposition voices.
“The beauty of democracy is in opposing voices that help check the ruling party, but APC is set to ground Nigeria with their misrule, yet won’t tolerate variance in views,” Secondus said. He added that the current state of Nigeria’s democracy is volatile, likening it to “sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of rigging.”
He also expressed concerns over the long-term impact of the Edo election, warning that if the alleged manipulation in the state is allowed to stand, it could jeopardize the integrity of future elections in Nigeria. Secondus accused the ruling party of using intimidation tactics, including harassment and arrests of opposition leaders, and colluding with security agencies and electoral officials to influence outcomes.
He concluded by lamenting the global image of Nigeria’s democracy, stating, “The world is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations apply to stabilize and develop their countries.”
