Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed shock over a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman and all actions taken by him, warning that political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general election could weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi said he was unsettled and surprised by the court’s decision, particularly with the general election approaching and political parties preparing for the electoral contest.
In a statement, the former Anambra State governor said he was not challenging the authority of the court, stressing that the judiciary has the responsibility to settle disputes in accordance with the law.
However, he argued that Nigerians deserve certainty about political parties and their candidates, especially just months before a major election.
According to him, creating uncertainty around political parties and their candidates close to an election is not in the public interest and could affect the ability of opposition parties to participate fully in the democratic process.
Obi alleged that the instability facing opposition parties was being engineered by the ruling party, claiming that similar tactics had been used against him in the Labour Party.
He further alleged that the same approach was being used to restrict civic space, weaken opposition campaigns and create conditions that encourage violence against opposition candidates and their supporters.
Emphasising the importance of voters in a democracy, Obi said leaders should ultimately emerge through the free choice of the electorate rather than through court decisions.
He stated that one of the defining principles of democracy is that voters, not courts, should choose their leaders.
Although he expressed confidence in the judiciary, Obi appealed to judicial authorities and political stakeholders to protect democratic integrity and ensure that candidates are not denied a fair opportunity to contest elections.
The former presidential candidate also linked the situation to the wider political climate in West Africa, where several countries have experienced military takeovers and growing threats to democratic governance.
He said Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions by protecting opposition politics rather than allowing opposition parties to be weakened or eliminated.
Obi recalled his promise that, if elected president, he would give special attention to ensuring that opposition parties remain stable, active and capable of performing their constitutional responsibilities.
He also pledged that opposition candidates would not be persecuted or pushed out of electoral contests under his administration.
According to him, the survival of democracy depends on allowing different political parties to operate freely and giving Nigerians the opportunity to make genuine choices at the ballot box.
Obi called on political leaders, the judiciary and other stakeholders to use the moment to strengthen democratic institutions and create a political environment where opposition parties can thrive.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to protect democracy and ensure that the country’s political space remains open to all, declaring that a new Nigeria is possible.
