Former Anambra State Governor, and presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reacted to the Federal High Court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Party, describing the decision as a troubling development for Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi said the judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja represents an avoidable setback for democratic growth and raises fresh concerns about the health of the country’s institutions.
The former Governor disclosed that he received news of the court decision from his political ally, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while attending engagements at Madonna University after earlier visiting a School of Nursing Sciences and participating in activities marking the 80th birthday celebration of Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.
Reacting to the ruling, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a steady erosion of institutional independence in Nigeria, warning that democracy cannot flourish where the legislature and judiciary are perceived to be losing their autonomy and public trust.
According to him, his opposition to the judgment is not driven by personal political ambition but by his long-held commitment to democratic values and the protection of public institutions.
Obi recalled that he had taken a similar position when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faced a related deregistration challenge, insisting that his views on such matters have remained consistent irrespective of the political party involved.
“Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned,” Obi stated.
“This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends. It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.”
The former Governor argued that efforts to weaken democratic institutions would ultimately fail, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends largely on the strength, credibility and transparency of its public institutions.
He urged Nigerians to rise above partisan divisions and recognise that the survival of the country is closely tied to the preservation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
Obi further stated that his political struggle has never been about personal ambition or occupying public office but about building a nation that works for all citizens.
“My concern is not about who becomes President,” he said.
“My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity.”
“That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations. I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy.”
“The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It’s when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made possible.”
The ruling by Justice Dashen had set aside an earlier judgment delivered in December 2025 that directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
The court held that all interested parties ought to have been heard before the earlier judgment was delivered and consequently restored all parties to the positions they occupied before the December 10, 2025 ruling.
Justice Dashen also ordered that the substantive suit commence afresh with INEC, the NDC and the Peace Movement Party (PMP) participating in the proceedings.
The development followed an application by the PMP, which argued that it had earlier submitted the same “victory sign” logo to INEC before the NDC registration process commenced.
Despite the setback, the NDC has vowed to challenge the ruling at the appellate court, insisting that the issues surrounding its registration had already been conclusively determined.
