Peter Obi Breaks Silence After Court Voids NDC Registration

Peter Obi Breaks Silence After Court Voids NDC Registration

Peter Obi has reacted to the Federal High Court ruling that nullified an earlier judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, describing the decision as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, reversed its December 2025 order after granting an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it was not included in the original suit despite being an interested party.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled that all affected parties must be given a fair hearing before any final decision is reached.

The court subsequently set aside the earlier judgement and restored the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case.

Reacting in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Obi said he received news of the ruling while attending an engagement at Madonna University, where his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, informed him of the development.

The former Anambra State governor described the judgement as a serious setback for democracy, warning that actions capable of weakening public institutions could erode citizens’ confidence in the country’s democratic system.

Obi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing loss of independence by the legislature and judiciary, arguing that democracy cannot thrive where key institutions are unable to operate freely and credibly.

He recalled that he had similarly opposed an earlier court decision ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, insisting that his position has always been guided by principle.

Obi maintained that his priority is the progress of Nigeria rather than political power, urging Nigerians to defend democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and work towards building a nation founded on justice, fairness and equal opportunity.