Former Labour Party presidential candidate and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman and the actions taken by him, warning against actions that could undermine opposition politics and Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi, in a statement titled ‘Do Not Undermine Democracy’, said he received the news of the court ruling “with shock”, describing the development as “unsettling and surprising”.
Although he acknowledged the authority of the judiciary to determine legal disputes, Obi argued that the timing of the decision could create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law. My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty,” he stated.
He maintained that prolonged uncertainty surrounding political parties and their candidates shortly before an election could undermine the electoral process.
“It is not good to have too many uncertainties about candidates and parties a few weeks before a presidential election,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor alleged that the instability affecting opposition parties was being engineered by the ruling party, drawing parallels with the crisis he experienced in the Labour Party.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to “close down civic space for a robust campaign”, adding that similar tactics had been used to undermine his campaigns.
Obi also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to weaken opposition politics, insisting that voters, rather than the courts, should ultimately determine who governs the country.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he said.
While reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, Obi appealed for the protection of democratic institutions and the electoral rights of Nigerians.
“I trust in the judiciary. As a public officer, I have shown deep respect for the judiciary. I appeal that we protect the integrity of democracy by not undermining the free and fair choice of candidates,” he added.
Obi further warned that Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions, particularly amid the growing spread of military rule in parts of West Africa.
He argued that the prevailing political climate should encourage the protection of opposition parties rather than efforts to weaken them.
“The sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, in the midst of encroaching military rule in West Africa, should strengthen our resolve to protect opposition politics and not stamp out opposition parties,” he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate also reiterated his commitment to protecting opposition parties if elected president, promising to ensure they remain stable and that their candidates are not pushed out of electoral contests.
“It is because of the importance of opposition to the sustenance of democracy that I have always promised that, as President, I will take a special interest in ensuring opposition parties are stable and thriving, and that opposition candidates are not persecuted out of electoral contests,” he said.
He concluded by calling for stronger democratic protections, declaring: “This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive.”
“A new Nigeria is POssible,” he added.
