Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has voiced concern over a Federal High Court ruling that declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman’s appointment and actions to be invalid.
Obi claimed that at a time when preparations for the general elections in 2027 were anticipated to pick up steam, the decision had created uncertainty in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, the former governor of Anambra State expressed his opinions and urged Nigerians and the judiciary to defend democratic institutions and opposition parties’ rights.
Obi questioned the judgment’s timing even though he accepted the courts’ power to resolve conflicts in line with the law.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Obi urged the judiciary and other relevant parties to guarantee the preservation of democratic institutions and the unrestricted participation of political candidates in elections.
He cited the expansion of military rule in some parts of West Africa as justification for bolstering democratic institutions and cautioned that weakening opposition parties could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic progress.
He claims that if democracy is to endure, opposition parties must be free to organize, run for office, and compete.
Obi claimed that he had continuously supported a political structure that would allow opposition parties to function autonomously and continue to exist.
I agree with Obi’s concerns about the timing of the decision. With fewer than 72 days until the election, removing someone at this stage raises questions about the criteria used and whether the matter was given enough consideration. If the decision was necessary, it should have been addressed much earlier—not so close to the election. Personally, I don’t think the timing is right.
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