The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly manipulating political developments to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the allegation on Thursday while reacting to a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja which nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark.
The court order also invalidated decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, including the process that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued after the ruling, the former Anambra State governor described the development as shocking, unsettling and surprising, particularly because of its timing.
Although Obi said he was not questioning the authority of the judiciary to determine legal disputes, he expressed concern that the ruling came barely three months before the general elections.
He alleged that the development was part of a broader strategy by the APC to create uncertainty within opposition parties and prevent them from concentrating on their campaigns.
Obi also claimed that he experienced similar political challenges while he was a member of the Labour Party, alleging that efforts were being made to restrict his political activities.
He said, “This instability is obviously engineered by the ruling party, just as they have done against me in the Labour Party and continue to do so to close down civic space for a robust campaign.”
The NDC presidential candidate further warned against developments capable of weakening opposition politics, stressing that voters, rather than the courts, should ultimately determine who governs the country through democratic elections.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he stated.
Obi urged Nigerians to protect democratic institutions and ensure that opposition parties are allowed to participate freely in the electoral process without intimidation or persecution.
He also expressed concern over the growing threat of military rule in parts of West Africa, arguing that Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions by protecting political opposition.
The former governor pledged that, if elected president, he would prioritise the stability of opposition parties and ensure that political opponents are not unfairly excluded from electoral contests.
“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” Obi added.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, dealing a major setback to the ADC leadership crisis and the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
