Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent Lokoja court judgment concerning his party as a grave setback for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that continued attacks on democratic institutions could undermine the nation’s future.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his X handle after receiving news of the court ruling while attending official engagements in Imo State.
The former Anambra State governor said he was informed of the development by former Kano State governor and political ally, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while attending an event at Madonna University.
Describing the judgment as “an unnecessary serious setback for Nigerian democracy,” Obi expressed concern over what he termed the growing erosion of confidence in key democratic institutions.
“Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” he said.
Obi accused some political actors of weakening the very structures designed to safeguard democratic governance, warning that such actions were damaging public trust and threatening the future of millions of Nigerians.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate further lamented what he described as the increasing decline of the legislature and judiciary, insisting that democracy cannot survive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.
“The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” he added.
Obi maintained that his position was based on principle rather than partisan considerations, recalling that he had similarly condemned actions affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) when a comparable situation arose.
According to him, the issue at stake goes beyond political ambitions and concerns the survival of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law and equal opportunity,” he said.
Calling on Nigerians to defend democratic values, Obi urged citizens to rise above partisan interests and work collectively to protect the country’s institutions.
“The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation,” he said, stressing that a better Nigeria can only emerge through collective commitment to justice, accountability and democratic governance.
The Lokoja court ruling has continued to generate reactions across the political spectrum, with opposition figures raising concerns over its implications for political pluralism and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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