Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing impasse involving the expression of political views, legal and security scrutiny of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
Secondus in a statement on Saturday warned that the situation could raise troubling questions about fairness, motive, and the integrity of democratic institutions.
The former PDP National Chairman in the statement signed by his media adviser, Ike Abonyi also acknowledged the constitutional role of agencies such as the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Still, they noted that the outcome of their investigations, when weighed against the scale of scrutiny, has generated public unease.
He therefore called for his immediate release to forestall negative perception of a prisoner of conscience held to stifle opposition views.
According to the statement, Secondus observed that beyond the legal arguments, there is a growing perception in some quarters that the actions against El-Rufai may be connected to his outspoken views on national politics, particularly his stance regarding the 2027 presidential aspirations of incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement further stated: “According to Secondus, such perceptions, whether accurate or not, must be taken seriously, as they risk creating the impression that dissenting political voices are being constrained through legal mechanisms rather than engaged within the democratic space.
“Democracy thrives when differing opinions are tolerated and accommodated within the framework of law,” he stated. “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 emphasized that the strength of any democracy lies not only in its laws but in the confidence citizens have in the neutrality of institutions responsible for enforcing them.
“Secondus further called on the Federal Government to ensure that El Rufai is granted bail and be released forthwith unconditionally to forestall negative perception of a prisoner of conscience held to stifle opposition views.
“He urged authorities to act in a manner that reassures Nigerians that no individual is targeted for holding or expressing political opinions, noting that preserving open political engagement is essential to national stability and democratic progress.
“While reaffirming respect for the rule of law, Secondus maintained that transparency and institutional independence remain critical in dispelling any notion that political considerations could overshadow judicial and investigative processes.”
