By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the ruling government of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Secondus made the allegation while reacting to a recent Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the former PDP chairman questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that the affected parties had already concluded their primaries and submitted candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation,” Secondus said.
He described the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that it could undermine political participation and weaken multi-party democracy.
“It is not just a setback for the affected parties but a dangerous assault on the foundational principles of multi-party democracy, citizen participation and the rule of law,” he stated.
“To deregister the parties midway effectively disenfranchises voters, creates political instability and narrows the democratic space.”
Secondus further argued that the development could accelerate a drift toward a one-party state by limiting electoral competition and weakening alternative political platforms.
“A robust democracy requires a low barrier to entry for alternative ideas. By dismantling smaller or emerging parties mid-cycle, the system heavily favours the entrenched political establishment and locks out grassroots movements needed for a robust democracy,” he added.
The former PDP chairman urged stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and ensure that political competition remains open, fair and inclusive ahead of the 2027 elections.
