Nigeria’s Democracy Is Sitting On A Keg Of Gunpowder Because Of Rigging – Secondus

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has raised alarms over the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

Secondus warned that the rigging orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) threatens to destabilize the nation’s political system.

In a statement issued through his media adviser, Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Tuesday, Secondus expressed concern that the 2027 elections might not materialize due to what he described as the APC’s deliberate sabotage of democracy.

Secondus was reacting to the outcome of the recent Edo State gubernatorial election, which he claimed was marred by widespread irregularities to ensure victory for the APC at all costs.

He alleged that the ruling party had “murdered and buried” democratic principles in Nigeria, citing the disregard for electoral laws and the disenfranchisement of voters as evidence of electoral fraud.

The former PDP chairman pointed to similar patterns of malpractice in other off-cycle elections, including those held in Imo and Kogi states, criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Secondus accused INEC of showing no remorse for the flawed 2023 general elections, which he believes have undermined Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He also criticized APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s boast that the Edo election “template” would be replicated in upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra states, suggesting that the APC is pursuing a dangerous agenda to establish a one-party state.

According to Secondus, the APC’s actions signal their intent to silence opposing voices and erode the checks and balances that democracy provides.

Secondus said, “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 variance views.

“Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on the keg of gunpowder because of rigging. If the Edo Election stands it will be difficult to carry on elections in Nigeria going forward.”

He warned that the manipulation witnessed in Edo, characterized by the harassment of opposition leaders and the compromise of security agencies and electoral officials, sets a troubling precedent for future elections.

“The world is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations apply to stabilize and develop their countries.” Secondus said