Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed concerns over a Federal High Court judgment that removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi described the judgment as shocking and unsettling, warning that the uncertainty surrounding opposition parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections could undermine the democratic process.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, nullified the emergence of the Mark-led ADC leadership and invalidated actions taken by the party executives. The court ruled that the Mark-led caretaker committee, which organised the party's presidential primary, was illegally constituted. This development has affected the party's presidential primary, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Obi alleged that the ruling was part of a broader strategy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise opposition parties and restrict political competition ahead of the elections. He claimed that similar tactics were being deployed to frustrate opposition campaigns, citing his own experience with the Labour Party. Obi maintained that voters, rather than the courts, should ultimately determine who leads the country.
The NDC candidate appealed to the judiciary to protect the integrity of the electoral process, while expressing his respect for the institution. He called for the protection of opposition politics, warning against actions that could weaken democratic institutions at a time when military rule was spreading in parts of West Africa. Obi emphasised the importance of stability in opposition parties, promising to prioritise this if elected president.
Former APC Deputy National Secretary, Timi Frank, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Frank made the allegation in a statement following the judgment that removed the David Mark-led ADC leadership. He called on the international community, particularly the United States, to monitor political developments in Nigeria and uphold democratic principles.
Frank warned the judiciary against becoming involved in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasising the importance of its independence and impartiality. He urged the international community to intervene, warning that the alleged weaponisation of the judiciary against opposition parties could trigger a political crisis. The judgment has raised concerns about the role of the judiciary in Nigeria's electoral process.
The court judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the process through which the Mark-led committee assumed control of the party. The development has significant implications for the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and their candidates facing increased uncertainty.
Key points
- Peter Obi expresses concerns over court judgment removing ADC leadership.
- Obi alleges APC's involvement in the judgment.
- The judgment has significant implications for the 2027 general elections.
