Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal High Court’s decision ordering the deregistration of several political parties, describing the ruling as a development that could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and democratic institutions.
Obi’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) and signed by its spokesman, Ibrahim Umar.
Commenting on the judgment that affected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties, Obi warned against sacrificing key national institutions for political interests, insisting that nations prosper when institutions remain strong, independent and credible.
According to him, concerns about the weakening of public institutions are not new.
“When the controversy surrounding the removal of the 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,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor argued that investor confidence depends heavily on trust in the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
“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,” he said.
Obi further lamented what he described as declining public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions, noting that many businesses now prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions because of greater faith in their legal systems.
“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,” he added.
Describing the court’s ruling as one of several developments capable of undermining public trust in the judiciary, Obi called for the judgment to be reversed.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. The Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties is one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems; it should be reversed,” he stated.
Obi also pledged to support efforts aimed at restoring the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, stressing the need for equal access to justice and greater protection for businesses against legal uncertainty.
He called on judges, senior advocates, legal practitioners and other stakeholders in the justice sector to defend the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions.
“To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates and lawyers, this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, and take back your country. A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi said.
