Democracy thrives on accommodating opposing views — Secondus

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has appealed to the Federal Government to allow dissenting political views as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Secondus also expressed concern over the legal and security scrutiny of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning that the situation could raise troubling questions about fairness, motive, and the integrity of democratic institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday through his aide, Ike Abonyi, Secondus acknowledged the constitutional roles of the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, but noted that public perception of their actions has generated unease.

He said there is a growing perception in some quarters that the actions being taken may be linked to El-Rufai’s outspoken political views, particularly his stance on the 2027 political climate.

Secondus cautioned that such perceptions, whether accurate or not, must be taken seriously as they risk weakening public trust in democratic institutions.

He warned that when state actions are seen as responses to political expression, it could create doubts about institutional neutrality.

“Democracy thrives when differing opinions are tolerated and accommodated within the framework of law,” he said.

He further stated that concerns about perception must be addressed transparently.

“Where actions of state institutions are viewed as responses to strong political views, especially on matters as critical as future leadership, it raises concerns that must be addressed with clarity and transparency,” he added.

Secondus stressed that the strength of democracy lies not only in legal frameworks but in public confidence in the neutrality of institutions.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure fairness in the handling of the matter and urged that due process be followed to avoid political tension.

He also urged authorities to reassure Nigerians that no individual is being targeted for expressing political opinions, noting that open political engagement is essential to democratic stability.

While reaffirming respect for the rule of law, Secondus maintained that transparency and institutional independence remain key to sustaining public confidence in governance.

PUNCH Online had reported that tensions involving El-Rufai escalated in February 2026 following corruption and security-related allegations.

He was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦432bn fraud linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, allegations he has denied.

The Federal Government also filed separate charges against him over alleged interception of the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, based on comments he made during a television interview.

He was later transferred to the ICPC, where he was arraigned on charges including fraud, money laundering, and conversion of public property.