By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that continued politicisation of key national institutions could further erode public confidence in the country’s democratic system.
Obi made his position known in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing damage being done to Nigeria’s sacred institutions for political purposes.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate argued that nations make progress when institutions are stronger than individuals and cautioned against actions capable of undermining the independence and credibility of the judiciary.
Reflecting on the controversy that surrounded the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Obi said he had long feared the consequences such developments could have on public perception of the country’s institutions.
“When the controversy surrounding the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world,” he stated.
According to Obi, strong economies are built on trust and confidence in institutions, noting that while investors can navigate security and market risks, uncertainty in the rule of law remains a major deterrent to investment.
He lamented that many Nigerians have lost confidence in institutions designed to protect them, adding that businesses increasingly prefer foreign jurisdictions for contractual disputes because of concerns about the integrity of local systems.
“That should concern every patriot,” he said.
Obi specifically faulted the Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties, describing it as one of several developments that have weakened public trust in the nation’s legal system.
“The Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties is one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems; it should be reversed,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate pledged his commitment to restoring the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, stressing that justice must remain impartial, accessible and respected by all citizens.
He also called on judges, senior advocates, legal practitioners and other stakeholders in the justice sector to defend the rule of law and protect democratic institutions from undue political influence.
“To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country,” Obi stated.
He maintained that strengthening institutions and protecting judicial independence remain critical to Nigeria’s democratic development and economic progress.
