Prince Uche Secondus, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a grave warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Secondus, the APC’s actions are pushing the country’s democratic institutions to the edge of collapse, citing the party’s alleged manipulation of recent elections as a major threat to Nigeria's democratic future.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Secondus strongly condemned the APC’s handling of the recent Edo State governorship election, describing it as a blatant example of electoral fraud and a violation of the rule of law. He expressed concern that this pattern of election rigging may become the new normal, as APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje reportedly boasted about replicating the Edo election strategy in upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra.
Secondus is alarmed by what he sees as an effort by the APC to silence opposition and transform Nigeria into a one-party state. The beauty of democracy lies in opposing voices that check the ruling party,he said, but fears the APC is determined to dismantle any semblance of a multi-party system. This, he believes, would ultimately ruin the country’s democratic structure.
He stressed that transparency, accountability, and free and fair elections are critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, calling on Nigerians to stand up and demand these principles in the political process. Secondus also urged international observers to pay close attention to the APC’s actions, highlighting the dangerous implications they pose for Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Secondus didn’t stop at the APC; he also took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the Mahmoud Yakubu-led commission of showing no remorse for the disgraceful conduct of the 2023 general election. He argued that the pattern of manipulation seen in off-cycle elections in states like Imo, Kogi, and Edo reflects the same issues that marred the 2023 election, which he said threw Nigeria under the bus.
His statement highlights numerous issues, including the harassment and arrest of opposition leaders during the Edo election, as well as the alleged compromise of security agencies and electoral officials, which he claims contributed to the election's manipulation.
Secondus also cautioned that if the alleged rigging in Edo is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent that would make it difficult to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria moving forward.
The former PDP Chairman’s statement is a call to arms for Nigerians who believe in democracy. He urged citizens to demand accountability and resist the erosion of democratic norms. In his words, The world is watching the disgrace we bring to this beautiful system of government, which other nations use to stabilize and develop their countries.
As Nigeria prepares for more state elections, including those in Ondo and Anambra, the stakes are high. The concerns raised by Secondus reflect a growing sentiment among many opposition figures and civil society activists that the country’s democratic future is at risk.
Secondus' warning serves as a stark reminder that democracy is fragile, and its survival depends on the vigilance of citizens, the integrity of institutions, and the commitment of leaders to uphold the rule of law. As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the role of transparency and fairness in elections will remain central to determining the country’s political and social future.