Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties, warning that such developments could further weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and legal system.
Obi said the ruling should be reversed, arguing that democratic institutions must remain independent and protected from actions capable of eroding public trust.
In a statement on Monday posted on his verified social media accounts, the former Anambra State governor reflected on the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, noting that his concern at the time extended beyond politics to the long-term implications for the country’s institutional credibility.
According to him, one of the greatest dangers to national development is the gradual loss of confidence in institutions meant to guarantee justice and fairness.
Obi stated that strong economies are built on trust, adding that while investors can manage security challenges, policy changes and market risks, uncertainty in the rule of law and concerns about judicial independence often discourage investment.
He lamented that many Nigerians had lost confidence in systems designed to protect them, noting that some businesses now prefer contractual agreements governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in Nigeria’s legal framework.
“That should concern every patriot,” he stated.
Obi warned against sacrificing national institutions for political interests, stressing that countries make progress when institutions are stronger than individuals.
