The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as the steady erosion of public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions, particularly the judiciary, warning that such developments could undermine the nation’s democratic and economic prospects.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday evening, Obi said the recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties was among actions that diminish citizens’ trust in the country’s legal system.
Drawing parallels with the controversy that surrounded the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, Obi recalled that he had previously warned about the long-term consequences of actions perceived as weakening the independence of key national institutions.
According to him, while investors can cope with security, policy and market risks, they are often discouraged by uncertainty in the rule of law and concerns about judicial independence.
The former Anambra State governor lamented that many Nigerians had lost confidence in institutions meant to protect them, noting that businesses increasingly prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater faith in those systems than in Nigeria’s legal framework.
Obi stressed that no nation can attain sustainable growth when its institutions are subordinated to political interests, insisting that strong nations are built on strong institutions rather than powerful individuals.
He specifically criticized the Federal High Court ruling on the ADC and other political parties, arguing that the judgment further weakens public confidence in the judiciary and should be reversed.
The former presidential candidate pledged that efforts would be made to restore the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, emphasizing the need for justice to remain impartial, accessible and respected by all citizens.
Obi also called on judges, senior advocates, legal scholars and members of the legal profession to defend the rule of law and work towards strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
He maintained that ordinary Nigerians must be assured of justice, while businesses should be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation.
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Coping with the systematic collapse of our institutions.
When the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend: that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world.
Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot.
We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. “The federal High Court Judgement ordering the de-registration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems” it should be reversed.
I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the Judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all.
To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country!
A New Nigeria is POssible.
- PO
, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as the steady erosion of public confidence in Nigeria's institutions, particularly the judiciary, warning that such developments could undermine the nation's democratic and economic prospects.){kind=link}