Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has accused the ruling administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general Election, warning that recent developments could narrow Nigeria’s democratic space and undermine political competition. Secondus made the remarks while reacting to a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Peter Lifu, which ordered the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress.
In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the former PDP chairman expressed concern over the timing of the ruling, noting that the affected parties had already completed their primary elections and submitted candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, the decision raises important questions about political competition ahead of the 2027 general Election.
“They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation,” Secondus stated.
He argued that the ruling goes beyond the interests of the affected parties and touches on the broader health of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Secondus described the judgment as a significant threat to multi-party democracy, insisting that democratic governance thrives when citizens have multiple political options and platforms through which they can participate in the electoral process. According to him, removing parties from the political landscape after they have already prepared for elections could create uncertainty and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
“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 said. The former PDP chairman maintained that the decision could effectively disenfranchise supporters of the affected parties while limiting political choices available to voters in the 2027 general Election.
“To deregister the parties midway effectively disenfranchises voters, creates political instability and narrows the democratic space,” he added.
Secondus further warned that restricting the participation of smaller political parties could accelerate concerns about a drift toward one-party dominance. He argued that emerging political movements often provide alternative ideas and policy directions that enrich democratic debate and strengthen governance.
“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 stated.
The former PDP chairman called on political stakeholders, civil society groups and democratic institutions to remain vigilant in safeguarding Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stressed that preserving open political competition would be essential as preparations continue for the 2027 general Election, urging authorities to ensure that the democratic process remains fair, inclusive and transparent. Secondus emphasized that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy depends on protecting citizens’ rights to political participation and maintaining an environment where different political parties can compete freely for public support.
