‎Peter Obi Warns of Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy, Condemns Lokoja Court Ruling, ‎

Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congres (NDC), Peter Obi, has described the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja on the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country’s institutions are gradually losing their independence and credibility.
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‎Obi made the remarks on Friday in a statement released via official X after receiving news of the court’s decision while attending official engagements in Imo State.
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‎According to him, he had travelled from Lagos to Emekuku, where he inspected projects at the School of Nursing Sciences funded through his previous interventions, including the institution’s computer laboratory. He later attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, before proceeding to Madonna University, where he was informed of the Lokoja court rulings by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
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‎Reacting to the development, Obi said every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be concerned, arguing that the judgment represents another blow to democratic governance and the institutions that underpin it.
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‎He expressed concern that some individuals who profess commitment to democracy were now working to weaken the very institutions meant to protect it, warning that such actions undermine public confidence and threaten Nigeria’s future.
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‎Obi also lamented what he described as the growing erosion of the independence of the legislature and the judiciary, stressing that democracy cannot thrive where public institutions lose their credibility.
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‎Drawing a comparison with a similar development involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi said he had condemned that incident on the basis of principle and was doing the same in the present case.
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‎He maintained that his concern was not about who occupies political office but about ensuring that Nigeria functions effectively through justice, strong institutions, the rule of law and equal opportunities for all citizens.
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‎Obi called on Nigerians to put aside partisan interests and work collectively to defend the country’s democratic institutions, insisting that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the strength and independence of its institutions.