The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the judiciary and other stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s democracy by allowing opposition parties to thrive.
Obi made the call while reacting to a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja which nullified the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman and all actions taken by him.
In a statement, Obi said he received the news of the ruling with shock, describing it as unsettling and surprising.
While acknowledging the authority of the court to determine disputes according to the law, Obi expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding political parties and candidates just months before the 2027 general election.
He alleged that the instability affecting opposition parties was being engineered by the ruling party to restrict civic space and weaken robust political campaigns.
Obi also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to frustrate opposition campaigns through violence.
He maintained that one of the fundamental principles of democracy was that leaders should be chosen by voters rather than courts, while appealing for the protection of the integrity of the electoral process.
The NDC presidential candidate further said Nigeria’s democracy must be strengthened, particularly amid the resurgence of military rule in parts of West Africa.
He stressed the need to protect opposition politics rather than weaken opposition parties, adding that he would prioritise the stability and growth of opposition parties if elected president.
Obi said his administration would ensure that opposition candidates were not persecuted or forced out of electoral contests.
He called on stakeholders to use the current situation as an opportunity to strengthen democracy by allowing opposition parties to thrive.
