Peter Obi calls for reversal of party deregistration, warns against politicising institutions

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called for the reversal of the deregistration of five political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that Nigeria must not sacrifice its sacred institutions on the altar of politics.

In a statement personally issued on Monday following the Abuja court judgment, Obi drew parallels with the removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, noting that the greatest damage lies not in immediate consequences but in the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of institutions.

“Strong economies are built on trust,” Obi said. “Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary vulnerable to political pressure.”

The former Anambra State Governor lamented that many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems meant to protect them, with businesses increasingly opting for foreign jurisdictions to govern contracts. He described the Federal High Court’s judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Alliance (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as a ruling that undermines public trust in the judiciary.

Obi pledged to restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary, ensuring justice is impartial, accessible, and respected. “The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation,” he said.

The A New Nigeria is Possible advocate urged judges, lawyers, and legal luminaries to rise in defense of the rule of law: “This is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country.”