2027: Secondus Warns Against Crackdown on Dissent, Seeks Fair Handling of El-Rufai’s Case

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has urged the Federal Government to safeguard democratic freedoms by allowing opposing political views as the nation edges toward the 2027 general elections.

Secondus also raised concerns over the ongoing security and anti-graft scrutiny of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning that the handling of the matter could raise public doubts about fairness, motive, and institutional neutrality.

In a statement released on Sunday through his aide, Ike Abonyi, the former PDP chairman acknowledged the statutory roles of the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, but said public perception of recent actions by these agencies was becoming increasingly sensitive.

According to him, while these institutions are constitutionally empowered to act, growing suspicion in some quarters that El-Rufai’s case may be politically motivated must not be ignored, warning that such perceptions can erode trust in democratic governance.

“Democracy thrives where dissenting voices are tolerated within the ambit of the law,” he said, stressing that Nigeria must not allow political interpretations to weaken confidence in state institutions.

He further urged authorities to ensure transparency in ongoing processes, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in order to preserve public confidence.

Secondus maintained that the strength of democracy lies not just in constitutional provisions but in the credibility and neutrality of institutions in the eyes of citizens.

He called on the Federal Government to guarantee fairness in all investigations and urged security and anti-corruption agencies to remain above political influence.

Reaffirming respect for the rule of law, he said open political engagement remains essential to national stability and warned against any action that could be interpreted as targeting individuals for their political views.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has recently been at the centre of corruption and security-related allegations, including claims investigated by the EFCC over alleged ₦432 billion fraud linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State—allegations he has consistently denied.

He has also faced separate legal issues involving the ICPC over alleged financial impropriety and other related charges, deepening political tensions around the former governor as the 2027 political climate gathers momentum.