Secondus Raises Alarm Over Court Deregistration of Five Political Parties

Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced strong reservations regarding the recent Federal High Court ruling that mandated the deregistration of several political parties. He cautioned that this development could have significant consequences for Nigeria's multi-party democratic system.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party from its register. The court cited their failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. Secondus, in a statement released on Wednesday from Abuja, directly addressed this ruling, particularly highlighting the deregistration of the ADC.

The erstwhile PDP chairman characterized the court's decision as a move that could restrict political participation and diminish democratic competition if it is allowed to stand. He emphasized that the ruling emerged at a crucial juncture in the political calendar, noting that some of the affected parties had already concluded their internal processes and were actively preparing for upcoming electoral activities.

Secondus asserted that the judgment 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 further argued that political parties are indispensable in offering citizens diverse platforms and ideas within a democratic framework. Accusing the government of attempting to weaken opposition groups, he declared: “They are afraid of the election; they want a coronation.”

The former PDP leader maintained that constitutional provisions for party deregistration were designed for implementation shortly after elections, not in the midst of an electoral cycle. He stated, “To deregister the parties midway effectively disenfranchises voters, creates political instability and narrows the democratic space, especially when a crisis has been deliberately injected into other parties.”

Describing the situation as a threat to democratic competition, Secondus added, “It’s judicial rascality to endorse political exclusion by dissolving parties midway through a cycle. This obvious disruption creates unnecessary vacuums and chills the competitive spirit necessary for a healthy democracy.” He underscored the critical role of emerging and smaller political parties in broadening political engagement and ensuring that alternative perspectives are represented in the democratic process.

“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 concluded.

However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has since issued an order to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment, pending the resolution of appeals lodged by the affected political parties.