Obi Calls Court Verdict on NDC 'Another Setback for Democracy'

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment leading to the party's registration as "a serious setback for Nigerian democracy," warning that the country's democratic institutions are increasingly coming under pressure.

Obi's reaction came hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, vacated its earlier December 2025 judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, ruled that the earlier judgment was reached without hearing all parties with an interest in the matter, particularly the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claims ownership of the logo used by the NDC during its registration process.

The judge consequently restored the status quo that existed before the December 2025 judgment and ordered that the substantive case begin afresh with all relevant parties joined in the proceedings.

Reacting in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page Friday night, Obi said he received news of the judgment while attending an engagement at Madonna University, where his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, informed him of the court's decision.

Describing the ruling as deeply troubling, Obi said it represented another challenge to Nigeria's democratic journey.

"This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends," he said.

The former Anambra State governor argued that democratic institutions are gradually losing their independence, warning that such a trend threatens public confidence in governance.

"It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians."

Obi further expressed concern that both the legislature and the judiciary were increasingly vulnerable to executive influence, insisting that democracy cannot flourish where institutions lack independence and credibility.

"Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility," he stated.

The NDC presidential candidate recalled that he had also opposed an earlier court decision which has since been set aside that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

According to him, his position has remained consistent regardless of which political party is affected.

"I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle," he said.

Obi maintained that his interest extends beyond electoral politics and is centred on strengthening Nigeria's democratic foundations.

He said the country's political leaders should prioritise nation-building over the pursuit of power.

"Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity."

He also appealed to Nigerians to rise above partisan divisions and defend democratic institutions.

"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."

The latest reaction adds to the growing controversy surrounding Friday's court ruling.

Earlier, the NDC rejected the judgment, insisting that the party had not been deregistered and announcing plans to immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

The party argued that it remains a legally recognised political platform pending the determination of the appeal and assured its members and candidates that its political activities would continue uninterrupted.

The legal dispute stems from an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it was not joined in the original proceedings despite claiming rights over the logo used by the NDC. Justice Dashen agreed that the omission rendered the earlier proceedings constitutionally defective and ordered that the substantive suit be reheard with all necessary parties before the court.

The appeal is expected to determine the legal status of the NDC and could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, in which Obi is the party's presidential candidate.