Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over a Federal High Court ruling nullifying the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman and his actions.
Obi described the judgment as “unsettling and surprising,” warning that uncertainty over political parties and candidates could affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement titled “Do Not Undermine Democracy,” Obi, who is running for the presidency in 2027 under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), said he did not challenge the court’s authority to settle disputes but stressed the need for stability ahead of the elections.
“I do not challenge the ruling of the court.
"The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law,” he said.
However, he argued that “three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty.”
Obi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating political instability to weaken opposition parties and restrict their campaigns.
He alleged that similar tactics had been used against him in the Labour Party and claimed that violence had been encouraged during opposition campaigns.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he said.
The former Anambra governor also urged the judiciary and political leaders to protect democratic values and ensure candidates are not prevented from contesting elections.
Obi said Nigeria must protect opposition politics, particularly as military rule continues to spread across parts of West Africa.
He added that, if elected president, he would ensure opposition parties remained stable and their candidates were not persecuted out of electoral contests.
“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” he said.
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