Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised a Federal High Court ruling that set aside the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the judgment as another setback for the country’s democracy and warning against what he called the weakening of key democratic institutions.
Obi made the remarks on Friday in a statement posted on his social media platforms after learning of the court’s decision while attending engagements in Imo State.
According to Obi, he received news of the ruling while visiting Madonna University after earlier attending events at the School of Nursing Sciences in Emekuku and the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.
“I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Obi said.
Reacting to the judgment, the former Anambra State governor said the ruling should concern all Nigerians because of 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 said.
Obi argued that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must remain independent and credible, warning that public confidence could be eroded if political interests weaken the legislature and judiciary.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it,” he said.
He added that his criticism was based on principle rather than political affiliation, noting that he had previously spoken out over developments affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“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.
Court Sets Aside Earlier Registration Order
The comments followed Friday’s judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside the court’s earlier ruling of December 10, 2025 directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The court held that the earlier judgment affected the legal rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo relied upon in obtaining the registration order but was not joined as a party to the original proceedings.
Counsel for the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, said the court ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 2025 judgment and directed that all necessary parties be joined before the substantive case is heard afresh.
According to the applicant’s counsel, the ruling effectively nullifies actions taken by INEC pursuant to the earlier judgment, including the NDC’s registration, issuance of its certificate, inclusion in the electoral commission’s records and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Constitutional Process Continues
The ruling does not determine the substantive dispute over the party’s registration but instead reopens the case to allow all parties whose interests may be affected to participate in the proceedings.
The case is expected to remain under judicial consideration as the Federal High Court hears the substantive issues involving the party’s registration and the competing claims over its identity and logo.
The development comes as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of future electoral cycles, with court decisions on party registration and electoral administration likely to remain closely watched by political stakeholders, investors and governance observers as indicators of institutional stability and the rule of law.