The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on members of Nigeria’s legal profession to defend the rule of law following a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Obi described the ruling as another development capable of undermining public confidence in the country’s judicial system.
Addressing judges, senior advocates, and lawyers, he urged them to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.
“To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country!”
Obi said the judgment reflected what he described as the gradual weakening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, drawing comparisons with the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, which he argued raised concerns about judicial independence.
According to him, confidence in the legal system is essential for economic growth, stressing that investors are more discouraged by uncertainty in the rule of law than by security or policy challenges. He added that many businesses now prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions because of greater confidence in those legal systems.
Obi specifically criticised the Federal High Court’s decision directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, arguing that the ruling should be reversed.
He also pledged to support efforts aimed at restoring the independence, integrity, and credibility of the judiciary, insisting that justice must remain impartial, accessible, and free from political influence.
Earlier, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties—the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
The court held that the parties failed to satisfy the required electoral thresholds during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections and consequently restrained them from conducting campaigns, rallies, or primary elections, while directing INEC not to recognise them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his statement, Obi maintained that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be stronger than political interests, insisting that preserving the rule of law is critical to rebuilding public trust and attracting investment into the country.