ADC Crisis: Obi Urges Protection of Opposition Parties, Says Voters, Not Courts, Should Choose Leaders
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for the protection of opposition parties in Nigeria, maintaining that voters, rather than the courts, should ultimately determine who leads the country.
Obi made the call while reacting to the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja nullifying the emergence of the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the actions taken by him.
He stated that he received the news of the court ruling with shock and described the development as unsettling and surprising.
While noting that he did not challenge the authority of the court to determine disputes in accordance with the law, Obi expressed concern over the uncertainty such developments could create for political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that political uncertainty, particularly concerning candidates and party leadership, could undermine the electoral process if it persists until a few weeks before the presidential election.
Obi alleged that the instability affecting opposition parties was being engineered by the ruling party, claiming that similar tactics had been deployed against him in the Labour Party.
He also alleged that such actions were part of broader efforts to restrict civic space, weaken opposition campaigns, and create an unfavourable environment for political competition.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised the importance of opposition politics in a democratic system, saying the will of the electorate must remain central to the process of choosing political leaders.
“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he said.
He, however, reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary, noting that he had consistently demonstrated respect for the institution throughout his years in public service.
Obi appealed to the judiciary and other relevant stakeholders to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that the free and fair choice of candidates was not undermined.
Obi equally warned that Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions, particularly at a time when military rule is making inroads in some West African countries.
According to him, the prevailing political climate should encourage efforts to protect opposition parties rather than weaken or eliminate them.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a stable and thriving opposition if elected president, pledging to take a special interest in protecting opposition parties and preventing their candidates from being persecuted out of electoral contests.
He further urged political stakeholders to use the current situation as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and create an environment where opposition parties can operate freely.
