Obi Faults Court Order on ADC, Warns Against Politicising Institutions

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties, warning that actions capable of undermining public confidence in national institutions should be avoided.

Obi said Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions must not be weakened by political considerations, stressing that strong nations are built on institutions that are independent, credible and respected by citizens.

Reacting to the court judgment in a post on his X account on Monday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over what he described as a growing erosion of trust in institutions that ought to serve as pillars of democracy and justice.

Drawing a parallel with the controversy that surrounded the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Obi said he had long feared the implications of actions that cast doubt on the independence of key national institutions.

“When the controversy surrounding the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world,” he said.

According to him, confidence in the rule of law remains one of the most important factors investors consider when making business decisions.

“Strong economies are built on trust. 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 that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure,” Obi stated.

He argued that dwindling confidence in the nation’s institutions has led many businesses to seek legal protection outside the country, describing the trend as a worrying development.

“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot,” he said.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that institutions must remain stronger than political interests and individuals if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable growth and democratic stability.

“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” he said.

Obi specifically faulted the court judgment directing the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties, arguing that the decision could further weaken public trust in the country’s justice system.

“The Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems; it should be reversed,” he added.

He also pledged to support efforts aimed at restoring confidence in the judiciary, insisting that justice must remain impartial and accessible to all citizens.

Obi further called on judges, senior lawyers and other members of the legal profession to defend the rule of law and protect the independence of the judiciary.

“To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country. A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.