By Henry Umoru
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 polls, Peter Obi, has condemned in very strong terms the order given by the Federal High Court in Abuja that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other parties should be deregistered for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
The former Anambra State governor, who took a swipe at the pronouncement, warned that the nation’s sacred institutions must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
Reacting to the Federal High Court ruling on Monday deregistering some political parties, including ADC, Obi remarked that the nation rises when institutions are stronger and not when they’re politicised.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled Monday that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, must deregister ADC, Accord, Action Alliance, AA, Action Peoples Party, APP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, after they failed to secure 25% of votes in the last general elections.
Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate said, “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.”
“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.
“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.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. 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.
“I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all.
“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.”
