Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over ADC Court Ruling, Calls for Protection of Opposition Parties

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that voters, rather than courts, should ultimately determine who leads the country.

Obi made the remarks in a statement published on his X account on Thursday, following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and all actions taken by him.

The former Anambra State governor said he received the news of the judgment with shock, describing it as unsettling, particularly with the 2027 general election approaching.

“I have received with shock the news of an order by the Federal High Court in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and all the actions he has taken. This is unsettling and surprising,” Obi said.

While acknowledging the authority of the judiciary to adjudicate disputes, he expressed concern about the timing of the ruling and its potential implications for the electoral process.

According to him, political uncertainty involving parties and their leadership could create difficulties for candidates and voters at a critical period in the country’s democratic journey.

“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 stated.

Obi alleged that the ruling party was deliberately creating instability within opposition parties, claiming that similar developments had affected his political fortunes in the Labour Party.

He argued that persistent disputes and uncertainty within opposition parties could weaken their capacity to organise, campaign and participate effectively in elections.

“This instability is obviously engineered by the ruling party, just as they have done against me in the Labour Party and continue to do so to close down civic space for a robust campaign,” he alleged.

The NDC presidential candidate further linked what he described as the suppression of opposition politics to incidents of violence against opposition candidates during political campaigns.

He warned that a democratic system could not function effectively if political parties and candidates were prevented from operating freely or subjected to circumstances that hindered their participation.

Voters Must Determine Leadership

Reiterating his position on electoral democracy, Obi maintained that the ultimate authority to choose political leaders should rest with the electorate through credible elections.

“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he said.

However, he reiterated his confidence in the judiciary, stressing that he had consistently demonstrated respect for the institution and its constitutional responsibilities.

He appealed to judicial authorities and other stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and ensure that political candidates were not denied opportunities to participate in elections.

Obi said the judiciary had an important responsibility in resolving political disputes in accordance with the law, while emphasising the need for decisions and processes that would promote confidence in the electoral system.

Obi Calls For Protection Of Opposition Politics

The former governor also drew attention to the political developments across West Africa, where several countries have experienced military takeovers and democratic setbacks.

He said Nigeria’s democratic experience should encourage the country to strengthen its institutions and protect political pluralism rather than allow circumstances that could weaken opposition parties.

“The sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, in the midst of encroaching military rule in West Africa, should strengthen our resolve to protect opposition politics and not stamp out opposition parties,” he added.

Obi pledged that, if elected president, he would prioritise the stability of opposition parties and ensure that their candidates were not persecuted or forced out of electoral contests.

He said Nigeria needed a political environment in which opposition parties could operate without intimidation and participate freely in elections.

“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” he said.

Obi concluded his statement with his familiar political slogan, declaring: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”

The controversy surrounding the ADC leadership ruling comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties seeking to strengthen their structures and mobilise supporters across the country.

The unfolding developments have renewed attention on the role of the judiciary in resolving internal party disputes and the broader implications of such disputes for electoral participation, political competition and democratic stability in Nigeria.