Peter Obi reacts to NDC deregistration

 Peter Obi Describes Lokoja Court Judgment as Setback for Nigerian Democracy

 

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent court rulings delivered in Lokoja as a serious setback for Nigeria's democracy, warning that the country's democratic institutions are gradually losing their independence and credibility.

Obi made the remarks on Friday after receiving news of the Lokoja court judgment while attending an engagement at Madonna University, following a series of official activities in Imo State.

According to him, the day began with a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences in Emekuku, where he inspected projects executed through his previous interventions, including a computer laboratory. He also attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, before proceeding to Madonna University.

The former Anambra State governor said he was informed of the Lokoja court rulings by former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Reacting to the development, Obi said every Nigerian committed to the country's progress should be concerned, describing the judgment as another setback for democracy and the institutions that sustain it.

He expressed regret that some individuals who claim to defend democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions responsible for safeguarding it, warning that such actions could erode public confidence and endanger Nigeria's future.

Obi also expressed concern over what he described as the growing decline of the legislature and the judiciary, stressing that democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.

He maintained that those seeking to undermine Nigeria's democratic foundations would ultimately not succeed, recalling that he similarly criticised what he described as interference involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that his position has always been guided by principle rather than political interests.

Obi said his concern is not about who becomes Nigeria's president but about ensuring that the country works for all citizens through justice, strong institutions, the rule of law and equal opportunities.

He called on Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and unite in defence of the country's democratic institutions, adding that the survival of Nigeria's democracy is inseparable from the survival of the nation itself.

He concluded by reiterating his belief that a better Nigeria can only be achieved through collective commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national unity.

Many Nigerians are already calling on Peter Obi and Kwankwaso to accept the court ruling in good faith and moving forward,  join forces with ADC to strengthen opposition in defeating the ruling party APC.