He maintained that the ruling risks undermining confidence in the country’s legal system and called for a reconsideration of the decision.
A file photo of Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the order to deregister several political parties by a Federal High Court, warning that the decision could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of institutions that should remain independent and insulated from political interests.
Reacting to the court judgment that ordered the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, the former Anambra State governor argued that strong nations are built on resilient institutions rather than individuals or political interests.
He maintained that the ruling risks undermining confidence in the country’s legal system and called for a reconsideration of the decision.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” Obi stated.
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Drawing parallels with the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Obi said he had previously warned about actions capable of weakening public faith in key national institutions.
According to him, the most damaging consequence of such developments is often the perception they create regarding the independence, credibility and sanctity of institutions entrusted with upholding justice and democracy.
Obi further argued that confidence in the rule of law is critical to economic growth, noting that while investors can navigate security, market and policy challenges, they are less willing to operate in environments where judicial independence is questioned.
“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 NDC presidential candidate pledged to work towards restoring the integrity, independence and public confidence in the judiciary, stressing that justice must remain impartial, accessible and respected by all.
He also urged judges, senior advocates, lawyers and other stakeholders in the legal profession to play an active role in defending the rule of law and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
