Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has cautioned the Federal Government against actions that could be perceived as using state institutions to silence dissent.
He warned that such perceptions threaten Nigeria’s democratic credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his aide, Ike Abonyi, Secondus raised concerns over the ongoing legal and security scrutiny of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying the situation risks eroding public trust in key democratic institutions.
While acknowledging the constitutional mandates of agencies such as the Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the PDP chieftain stressed that public perception of their actions has become a growing concern.
According to him, there is increasing speculation that the investigations into El-Rufai may be tied to his outspoken political positions, particularly regarding the evolving 2027 political landscape.
“Democracy thrives when differing opinions are tolerated and accommodated within the framework of law,” Secondus said, warning that any suggestion of retaliation against political views could undermine institutional neutrality.
He added, “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.”
Secondus emphasised that even the perception of bias—whether accurate or not—can weaken confidence in governance and fuel political tension.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to handle the matter with fairness and openness, ensuring that due process is strictly followed and that no individual is targeted for expressing political opinions.
The former PDP chairman maintained that sustaining democracy requires not only adherence to the rule of law but also visible institutional independence.
“Concerns about perception must be addressed transparently to reassure Nigerians that democratic institutions remain neutral arbiters,” he said.
The development comes amid heightened tensions surrounding El-Rufai, who has faced a series of corruption and security-related allegations in recent months.
The former governor was earlier detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦432 billion fraud linked to his tenure in Kaduna State—an allegation he has denied.
He also faces separate charges from the Federal Government over the alleged interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, stemming from comments made during a television interview.
El-Rufai was subsequently transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, where he has been arraigned on charges including fraud, money laundering, and conversion of public property.
