 |
| Prince Uche Secondus |
Former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, accused the ruling administration of weaponizing the judiciary to stifle democracy and clear the way for a “coronation.”
In a press statement, Secondus warned that continued judicial interference risks pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state.
The criticism followed a recent Federal High Court decision by Justice Peter Lifu that deregistered several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), although a higher court has temporarily halted that decision.
Secondus expressed profound disappointment and alarm, noting the timing of the ruling came in the middle of the political cycle after affected parties had completed their 2026 primaries with INEC and had candidates ready to campaign.
He said the move undermines electoral competition and could disenfranchise voters if left unchecked.
Secondus called for urgent action to protect democratic institutions and ensure the judiciary does not become an instrument for political ends.
The former PDP boss said in a statement he released in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that the decision 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.
Prince Secondus accused the government of deliberately destroying opposition parties to achieve one-party rule. "They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation."
According to Prince Secondus, the drafters of the Nigerian Constitution envisage that INEC will act soon after the general election, not in the middle of the next election.
To deregister the parties midway effectively disenfranchises voters, creates political instability, and narrows the democratic space, especially when a crisis has been deliberately injected into other parties.
"It's judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle. This obvious disruption creates unnecessary vacuums and chills the competitive spirit necessary for a healthy democracy.
“A robust democracy requires a low barrier to entry for alternative ideas,” Secondus said, adding, “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.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment