Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Uche Secondus, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his resilience in the face of political intimidation during the recently concluded local government elections. Secondus lauded the governor’s steadfastness, praising him for upholding democratic values and demonstrating true leadership.
In a statement released by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, on Wednesday, Secondus remarked, “Governor Fubara has shown true leadership by standing firm for democracy. His refusal to bow to intimidation is a testament to his commitment to his people and their future.”
Secondus also urged President Bola Tinubu to work closely with Governor Fubara to protect critical national assets located in Rivers State, given the state’s strategic economic importance. He emphasized the need for federal and state collaboration in safeguarding these assets for national stability.
At the same time, Secondus expressed deep concerns about Nigeria’s democratic future, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining electoral integrity. He warned that the rigging seen in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election could jeopardize the 2027 elections. According to Secondus, the ruling APC has “murdered and buried” democracy by disregarding electoral laws and disenfranchising voters.
He also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for its handling of the flawed 2023 general elections and raised alarms over similar malpractice in off-cycle elections in Imo and Kogi states. Secondus accused APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje of openly boasting about replicating the Edo election strategy in upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra, a move he believes aims to establish a one-party state.
“The beauty of democracy is in opposing voices that keep the ruling party in check, but the APC seems determined to silence those voices and ground Nigeria with their misrule,” Secondus said. He warned that if the manipulation in Edo is allowed to stand, future elections in Nigeria will be severely compromised, threatening the nation’s democratic stability.
