Former Labour Party presidential candidate and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the Federal High Court ruling in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman and actions taken under his leadership.
Obi described the development as unsettling and surprising, warning that prolonged uncertainty surrounding political parties and their candidates could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement reacting to the ruling, Obi said although he respected the authority of the judiciary to determine disputes in accordance with the law, the timing of the decision raised concerns about its implications for political stability and electoral certainty.
He argued that political parties and their candidates should have sufficient certainty ahead of elections, stressing that unresolved leadership disputes could create confusion and weaken the ability of opposition parties to effectively participate in the electoral process.
The former Anambra State governor alleged that the ruling party was deliberately engineering instability within opposition parties to restrict their political activities and weaken their capacity to challenge the government.
He also alleged that similar tactics had been deployed against him in the Labour Party, adding that opposition campaigns had continued to face intimidation and violence.
Obi, however, maintained that he was not challenging the authority of the court, but appealed for the protection of democratic principles and the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders through credible elections.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary, noting that he had consistently demonstrated respect for the institution as a public officer.
Obi further warned that Nigeria must not allow developments within its political system to weaken opposition politics, particularly at a time when military takeovers and democratic instability are spreading across parts of West Africa.
According to him, the survival of democracy requires a political environment where opposition parties can operate freely, organise effectively and present candidates without undue interference or persecution.
He reiterated his commitment to strengthening opposition politics, promising that if elected president, he would make the stability and survival of opposition parties a priority.
Obi said his administration would ensure that opposition parties remain vibrant and that their candidates are not unfairly pushed out of electoral contests.
He called on political leaders, the judiciary and other stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and create an enabling environment for free, fair and credible elections.
“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” he said.
Obi concluded his statement with his familiar declaration that “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
