The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that prolonged uncertainty over political parties and candidates could weaken Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, November 5, said the ruling raised concerns about the stability of the opposition and the ability of political parties to participate freely in the electoral process.
Although he said he did not challenge the court’s authority to determine legal disputes, the former Anambra State governor argued that uncertainty surrounding party leadership and candidates so close to a general election was not in the country’s interest.
“I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law.
“My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty. It is not good to have too many uncertainties about candidates and parties a few weeks before a presidential election,” he said.
Obi alleged that the developments were part of a broader effort by the ruling party to weaken opposition movements, drawing parallels with the leadership crisis he experienced in the Labour Party.
He also accused the ruling party of encouraging an environment in which opposition campaigns face intimidation and violence, although he did not provide specific evidence in the statement to substantiate the allegations.
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The NDC candidate maintained that electoral choices should ultimately be determined by voters rather than prolonged legal disputes.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders. I trust in the judiciary.
“As a public officer, I have shown deep respect for the judiciary. I appeal that we protect the integrity of democracy by not undermining the free and fair choice of candidates,” Obi stated.
He further warned that Nigeria must protect opposition politics, particularly amid the spread of military rule in parts of West Africa.
According to him, the survival of democracy requires political parties to operate without intimidation and opposition candidates to be allowed to contest elections without persecution.
Obi also reiterated his promise that, if elected president, he would pay particular attention to strengthening opposition parties and ensuring their stability.
“It is because of the importance of opposition to the sustenance of democracy that I have always promised that, as President, I will take a special interest in ensuring opposition parties are stable and thriving, and that opposition candidates are not persecuted out of electoral contests,” he said.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and create an environment where opposition parties could operate freely.
“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” Obi added.
First Daily earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Thursday nullified the processes that produced former Senate President David Mark as the ADC national chairman, alongside Rauf Aregbesola and other party officials.
The court also invalidated the nominations of candidates produced under the Mark-led leadership, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.
The ruling has triggered reactions from opposition figures, with the ADC rejecting the decision and indicating plans to challenge it through available legal channels.