Deregistration: Threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary – Peter Obi

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has criticised deregistration of some political parties by a Federal High Court.

He described the development as a threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.

Obi in a statement posted on his X handle, warned against what he termed the growing politicisation of institutions that should remain independent and protected from political influence.

Reacting to the court ruling deregistering some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Obi said nations thrive when institutions were stronger than individuals and politics.

He argued that the Federal High Court judgment ordering deregistration of the ADC and other political parties would further diminish public trust in the country’s legal system and call for its reversal.

“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” he said.

He recalled expressing concerns during the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

He noted that the greatest damage such actions caused was often the perception they created about the sanctity and independence of national institutions.

According to him, strong economies are built on trust; while investors can manage security, policy and market risks, they are often discouraged by uncertainty in the rule of law and perceptions of judicial interference.

“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them, because businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own.”

The former Anambra governor pledged commitment to restoring the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, stressing the need for justice to remain impartial, accessible and respected by all citizens.

He also called on judges, senior advocates, lawyers and other legal professionals to defend the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

Deregistration: Threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary – Peter Obi