Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised a Federal High Court order directing the deregistration of several political parties, warning that the decision could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.
Obi Expresses Concern Over Politicisation
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of institutions that should remain independent and insulated from political influence. Reacting to the judgment that reportedly affected parties including the African Democratic Congress, the former Anambra State governor argued that strong nations are built on resilient institutions rather than individuals or political interests.
He maintained that the ruling risks undermining confidence in the country’s legal system and called for a reconsideration of the decision. “We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” Obi stated.
Parallels with Onnoghen Removal
Drawing parallels with the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Obi said he had previously warned against actions capable of weakening public confidence in key national institutions. According to him, the most damaging consequence of such developments is often the perception they create regarding the independence, credibility, and sanctity of institutions tasked with upholding justice and democracy.
Impact on Economic Growth
Obi further argued that confidence in the rule of law is critical to economic growth, noting that while investors can navigate challenges such as security, markets, and policy uncertainty, they are less willing to operate in environments where judicial independence is questioned. “Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them, because businesses increasingly prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions, where they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own,” he said.
Pledge to Restore Judicial Integrity
The NDC presidential candidate pledged to work towards restoring the integrity, independence, and public confidence in the judiciary, stressing that justice must remain impartial, accessible, and respected by all. He also urged judges, senior advocates, lawyers, and other stakeholders in the legal profession to play an active role in defending the rule of law and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
