The former national chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus says the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, has murdered and buried democracy in Nigeria.
Secondus, therefore, doubted that any hope of the 2027 general elections resulting in a political changeover may never come to fruition.
Reacting to the gubernatorial election last Saturday in Edo state which saw the APC candidate emerging as winner, the former PDP chairman said, “What took place in Edo state last weekend was electoral fraud exhibited without any regard to the rule of law and respect for the voters.
“From the results of all the off-cycle elections conducted in Imo, Kogi, and Edo states, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is not showing any remorse for the show of shame they conducted in 2023 that threw Nigeria under the bus. And with the shameless boast of the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje that they will apply the Edo template in other forthcoming off-cycle elections in Ondo and Anambra states, it’s very obvious that 2027 will not even come as the ruling party’s agenda is to create a one-party state by muzzling the opposition.
“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.
“The election manipulation in Edo state was brazen and it started by harassing and arresting leaders of the opposition and compromising strategic players like the security agencies and electoral officials.
“The world is watching the shame we bring to this beautiful form of government that other nations apply to stabilize and develop their countries”.