Obi: Kogi Court's NDC Verdict Undermines Nigeria's Democracy

Peter Obi, referred to in the report as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has characterized a recent court decision in Lokoja as an unwarranted detriment to Nigeria's democracy, cautioning that it further erodes the nation's democratic structures. Obi conveyed this viewpoint via his social media channels on Friday, having received news of the judgment while engaged in activities within Imo State.

He revealed that he learned of the court's resolution while at Madonna University, following visits to the School of Nursing Sciences in Emekuku and attending the 80th birthday celebration of Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna of Owerri. “It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Obi stated.

Reacting to the verdict, Obi emphasized that all Nigerians dedicated to the country's advancement should be troubled by its implications for democratic governance. “Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” he asserted. He further accused certain political figures of sabotaging democratic institutions despite professing support for democracy. “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,” Obi remarked.

The former governor of Anambra State voiced apprehension that both the legislative and judicial arms of government were increasingly being drawn into what he termed institutional decay. “The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” he added.

Obi maintained that his stance was rooted in principle rather than political self-interest, recalling his previous condemnation of a similar incident involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle,” he explained. He clarified that his primary concern was not about who would become Nigeria's next president, but rather ensuring the effective operation of the nation's institutions. “My concern is not about who becomes President. 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,” Obi declared.

He appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians to set aside partisan affiliations and actively defend the country's democratic institutions. “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,” he concluded.

This statement followed Friday's judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, which overturned the court's earlier December 10, 2025 ruling that had directed INEC to register the NDC. The judge's decision was based on the premise that the preceding judgment had infringed upon the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which asserted ownership of the logo utilized to secure the registration order but was not included as a party in the original suit.

C.S. Ekeocha, counsel for the applicant, confirmed that the court mandated all parties to revert to their status before the December 10, 2025 judgment. It also directed that all necessary parties be joined before the substantive suit proceeds to a fresh hearing. Ekeocha added that this ruling effectively nullified all actions undertaken by INEC subsequent to the earlier judgment, including the recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in the commission’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.