By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the Federal Government of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s democratic system in order to return President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Reacting to the recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Secondus warned that such actions could pave the way for a one-party state if left unchecked.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the former PDP chairman expressed deep concern over the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, describing it as a dangerous development coming at a time when the affected parties had already concluded their primary elections and were preparing for the 2027 election campaigns.
According to Secondus, the judgment represents more than a setback for the affected political parties, insisting that it constitutes a direct attack on the principles of multi-party democracy, citizen participation and the rule of law.
He alleged that the ruling government was deliberately seeking to weaken opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party political system.
“They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation,” Secondus said.
The former PDP chairman argued that the framers of the Nigerian Constitution envisaged that decisions relating to the deregistration of political parties would be taken shortly after general elections and not in the middle of an electoral cycle.
He maintained that deregistering political parties midway through the electoral process would effectively disenfranchise voters, create political uncertainty and further shrink the democratic space.
Secondus also claimed that the move would have far-reaching consequences, particularly at a time when several political parties are already grappling with internal challenges.
“It is judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle,” he stated.
According to him, such actions disrupt the political process, create unnecessary uncertainty and undermine the healthy competition required for democratic growth.
He further argued that democracy thrives when citizens have access to diverse political platforms and competing ideas, warning that dismantling smaller or emerging parties would strengthen the dominance of established political interests while limiting opportunities for grassroots political movements.
“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 said.
He called on stakeholders to defend democratic institutions and ensure that political competition remains open, fair and inclusive as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
