Meanwhile, NDC presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, described the Lokoja court ruling as “an unnecessarily serious setback” for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Friday, Obi said he received news of the judgment while attending engagements in Imo State, including the 80th birthday celebration of Emeritus Archbishop Anthony Obinna and a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku.
He said the ruling should concern every Nigerian committed to the country’s democratic development.
“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.”
Obi alleged that democratic institutions were increasingly being weakened.
“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 added: “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.”
The former Anambra State governor said his position was based on principle rather than political interest.
“Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.”
Obi maintained that his primary concern was the country’s future.
“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. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations.”
He urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions.
“I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It’s when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made POssible.”
- Peter Obi describes ruling as setback for democracy - June 26, 2026
- NDC rejects ruling, heads to Court of Appeal - June 26, 2026
- Fresh Trouble for NDC as Court Vacates Registration Judgment - June 26, 2026