Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned the Federal High Court's decision to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties. He described the ruling as a threat to public confidence in Nigeria's democratic and judicial institutions. In a statement posted on his X handle, Obi warned against the growing politicisation of institutions meant to remain independent. He said nations thrive when institutions are stronger than individuals and politics, urging a reversal of the court's judgment.
Obi stressed that the deregistration of parties undermines trust in the legal system. He recalled raising concerns during the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, noting that such actions damage public perception of institutional sanctity. According to him, strong economies are built on trust, and uncertainty in the rule of law discourages investment. "Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them, because businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own," he said.
The former Anambra State governor pledged to restore the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary if elected. He called on judges, senior advocates, lawyers and legal professionals to defend the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions.
Peter Obi criticises the court's deregistration of parties while his own NDC remains registered despite similar scrutiny. He claims institutional erosion damages public trust, yet offers no explanation for why his party escaped the same fate. His call for judicial independence rings hollow without addressing why some parties are treated differently under the law. Nigerians are left questioning whether his concern is for institutions or for political advantage.
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