“This judgment represents another setback” — Peter Obi reacts to court ruling nullifying NDC’s registration

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court ruling that nullified an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

Reacting to the judgment delivered in Lokoja on Friday, Obi described the decision as “an unnecessary serious setback for Nigerian democracy” and warned that weakening democratic institutions could endanger the country’s future.

The former Anambra State governor disclosed that he received news of the court’s decision while attending engagements in Imo State, including a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences in Emekuku and the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, before proceeding to Madonna University.

‘Every Nigerian should be concerned’

According to Obi, the Lokoja judgment should worry all Nigerians committed to the nation’s progress.

“Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” he said.

He lamented that individuals who claim to support democracy now appear determined to weaken the institutions that sustain it, arguing that such actions erode public confidence and threaten the future of millions of Nigerians.

Warning over institutional decline

Obi further expressed concern over what he described as the growing decline of key democratic institutions, particularly the legislature and the judiciary.

“The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” he stated.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate insisted that those seeking to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations would ultimately fail, noting that he had previously condemned a similar situation involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

‘My concern is that Nigeria works’

Obi maintained that his position was based on principle rather than political interest.

“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works,” he said.

He urged political leaders to move beyond the pursuit of power and instead focus on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Calling on Nigerians to defend democratic values, Obi said the survival of the country’s institutions is inseparable from the survival of the nation itself.

“It is when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made possible,” he added.