The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, describing the decision as a major setback for Nigeria's democracy.
Obi said the ruling had further heightened concerns over the state of democratic governance in the country, warning that continued erosion of the independence of key institutions could undermine public confidence in the nation's democratic process.
In a statement issued on Friday, the former Anambra State governor said he learnt of the court's decision while attending official engagements in Imo State.
According to him, he had travelled from Lagos to Emekuku to inspect projects at the School of Nursing Sciences, including a computer laboratory funded through his intervention, before attending the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.
He added that he later proceeded to Madonna University, where Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso informed him of the Lokoja court ruling.
Reacting to the development, Obi said the judgment should concern every Nigerian committed to the country's democratic development.
"This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends," he said.
He accused some political actors of working to weaken institutions that are essential to sustaining democracy, arguing that such actions threaten the future of the country.
According to Obi, both the legislature and the judiciary are increasingly facing challenges that could diminish their independence and credibility.
"It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility," he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that his criticism was driven by principle rather than political interest, recalling that he also spoke out when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was confronted with a similar legal challenge.
He insisted that his priority remains the strengthening of democratic institutions rather than the pursuit of political office.
"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 said.
He called on Nigerians to rise above partisan considerations and work collectively to defend democratic institutions, stressing that the country's future depends on preserving the integrity of its constitutional order.
"The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It is when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dreams is made possible," he added.
Obi's comments followed Friday's ruling by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside the court's December 2025 judgment directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.
The court held that the earlier proceedings were constitutionally defective because all necessary parties were not joined in the suit and ordered that the matter be heard afresh with the NDC, INEC and the Peace Movement Party participating in the proceedings.
The judgment has continued to attract controversy, with the NDC maintaining that it has not been deregistered and announcing plans to challenge the ruling before the Court of Appeal.
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