By Aaior K. Comfort
ABUJA – Prince Uche Secondus, the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has claimed that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has effectively “murdered and buried democracy” in Nigeria, suggesting that the year 2027 may never come politically for the country.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus expressed his concerns following the conduct of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State. He criticized the election, asserting that every democratic principle was disregarded to ensure the APC candidate’s victory.
He stated, “The ruling party is on a mission to murder and bury democracy in Nigeria,” describing the events in Edo as a blatant example of electoral fraud that disregarded the rule of law and voter rights. He argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has shown no remorse for the alleged electoral misconduct in the 2023 elections, which he claims have significantly harmed the nation’s democratic processes.
Secondus highlighted the comments made by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who suggested that the “Edo template” would be used in future elections in Ondo and Anambra states. He viewed this as evidence that the APC intends to create a one-party state by suppressing opposition.
“The beauty of democracy is the opposing voices that help to check the ruling party,” Secondus stated, adding that Nigeria’s democracy is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” due to widespread rigging. He warned that if the Edo election results are upheld, conducting future elections in Nigeria could become increasingly difficult.
Secondus criticized the manipulation of the electoral process in Edo, pointing to the harassment and arrest of opposition leaders and the compromise of security and electoral officials as part of the strategy to ensure APC’s dominance.
He concluded, “The world is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations apply to stabilize and develop their countries.”