Amanze Chinonye
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has condemned Friday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, describing it as another dangerous setback for Nigeria’s democracy and warning that continued interference with democratic institutions could undermine the country’s political future, Prime Business Africa reports.
The ruling, delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, followed a suit filed by the unregistered Peace Movement Party, which challenged the activities of the NDC. The court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with aspects of the party’s registration process pending the determination of the substantive suit.
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The decision has sparked criticism from the NDC, which insists the suit was filed by an association without legal standing and argues that the ruling could frustrate the constitutional rights of Nigerians seeking to form and register political parties.
Reacting to the development, Obi said every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be concerned, arguing that the judgment reflects a growing pattern of institutional decline capable of weakening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed that he received news of the Lokoja court ruling from Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso while attending an engagement at Madonna University in Imo State.
Earlier in the day, Obi had travelled from Lagos to Emekuku, where he inspected projects he previously facilitated at the School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, including a computer laboratory, describing investments in education as essential to Nigeria’s long-term development. He also attended the 80th birthday celebration of Anthony Obinna before proceeding to Madonna University.
Reacting to the judgment, Obi said it was regrettable that individuals who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it.
He warned that the legislature and the judiciary were increasingly being drawn into actions that erode their independence and credibility, stressing that democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose the confidence of the people.
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Obi maintained that those seeking to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations would ultimately fail, recalling that he had also condemned similar actions taken against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that his position has always been guided by principle rather than partisan considerations.
He said his concern was not about who eventually becomes president but about ensuring that Nigeria functions through strong institutions, justice, the rule of law and equal opportunity.
Calling on Nigerians to put national interest above partisan politics, Obi urged citizens to defend democratic institutions, saying the survival of Nigeria’s democracy is inseparable from the survival of the nation itself.
He added that only a collective commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity would make it possible to build the Nigeria envisioned by its citizens.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
