Peter Obi Criticizes Court Ruling on Atiku's ADC Ticket

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has called for greater certainty over candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 elections. A Federal High Court judgment invalidated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination, citing irregularities in the African Democratic Congress leadership. Obi expressed shock at the decision, questioning the consequences of uncertainty over nominations close to an election. He emphasized the need for certainty, stating that it is in the public interest to have clear information about candidates and parties before a general election.

The court judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, set aside the emergence of the African Democratic Congress leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark. The court also invalidated decisions taken under that leadership, including the primary election that produced Atiku as the ADC presidential candidate. Obi alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress had encouraged instability within opposition parties, citing the leadership crisis that affected the Labour Party, whose presidential ticket he contested in 2023.

Obi accused the ruling party of restricting opposition campaign activities and alleged that violence against his campaign followed a similar pattern. However, the APC rejected the accusation, with its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disputing Obi's claim of interference. Morka questioned why opposition politicians blamed the APC for unfavorable judgments while praising judicial independence when decisions favored them.

Obi urged the judiciary to safeguard citizens' ability to choose their representatives freely. He emphasized that one mark of democracy is that voters, not courts, choose leaders. Obi also cited military takeovers elsewhere in West Africa as a reason for Nigeria to protect democratic institutions and maintain space for competing political parties.

The judgment arose from a suit brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-East. He challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker leadership assumed office following the departure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. Gombe argued that the party's constitution entitled him to take over the leadership.

The ADC has announced plans to appeal the judgment, citing an earlier Federal High Court judgment that recognized the Mark-led leadership. The party is also awaiting a certified true copy of Lifu's judgment to establish its precise terms and operative orders. Atiku's presidential campaign council separately said its lawyers were preparing to seek a stay of execution, while the former vice-president pledged to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

Obi said he would make the protection of opposition parties a priority if elected president. He promised to take a special interest in ensuring opposition parties are stable and thriving, and that opposition candidates are not persecuted out of electoral contests. Obi emphasized that this is a time to strengthen Nigeria's democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive.

Key points

• Peter Obi criticizes the court ruling invalidating Atiku Abubakar's presidential nomination, citing concerns over electoral uncertainty.
• The African Democratic Congress plans to appeal the judgment, citing conflicting court decisions.
• Obi vows to prioritize the protection of opposition parties if elected president.