Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has issued a grave warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, claiming it is teetering on a “keg of gunpowder” due to rampant rigging by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released through his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus expressed fears that the upcoming 2027 elections may be jeopardized by what he views as the APC’s deliberate undermining of democratic processes. His comments followed the controversial outcome of the recent gubernatorial election in Edo State, which he alleges was plagued by significant irregularities aimed at securing victory for the APC.
Secondus criticized the ruling party for “murdering and burying” democratic principles in Nigeria, highlighting a blatant disregard for electoral laws and the disenfranchisement of voters as clear indicators of electoral fraud. He pointed to similar instances of malpractice in other recent elections in Imo and Kogi states, condemning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for its failures.
Moreover, Secondus took issue with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s remarks about using the Edo election as a “template” for future elections in Ondo and Anambra states, implying that the party aims to establish a one-party state by silencing dissenting voices and dismantling essential checks and balances.
He stated, “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 varying views.” Secondus cautioned that if the Edo election stands, it would pose serious challenges for conducting future elections in Nigeria.
Highlighting the troubling precedent set by the manipulation seen in Edo, including the harassment of opposition leaders and compromised security agencies and electoral officials, he concluded, “The world is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations use to stabilize and develop their countries.”
