Peter Obi, presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticised the federal high court’s decision reversing its earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Obi made his position known in a post on X on Friday.
Earlier, a federal high court in Lokoja set aside its December 2025 judgment compelling INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
‘Deeply concerned’
Obi said he learnt about the ruling from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He described the judgment as a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he said.
“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.”
Warns against weakening institutions
Furthermore, Obi accused some political actors of undermining democratic institutions.
He said weakening public institutions would erode citizens’ confidence in democracy.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it,” he said.
“They are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.”
‘Democracy needs independent institutions’
Meanwhile, Obi said the legislature and judiciary must remain independent.
He warned that democracy cannot flourish if public institutions lose credibility.
“The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline,” he said.
“Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.”
Recalls stance on ADC
Obi said he had previously condemned a similar development involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He added that his position has always been based on principle rather than politics.
“When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation,” he said.
“I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.”
Calls for defence of democracy
The former presidential candidate urged Nigerians to protect democratic institutions.
He said the country’s future depends on strong institutions, the rule of law and equal opportunity.
“My concern is not about who becomes President,” he said.
“My concern is that Nigeria works.”
“I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy.”
“The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation.”
