Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, has voiced his discontent with a recent court ruling that invalidated the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullified its candidates for the election. Obi attributed the ruling to the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja announced that the caretaker committee led by David Mark, which oversaw the ADC’s presidential primary that selected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate, was illegal. The court’s decision resulted in the removal of the party’s entire leadership and the disqualification of its aspirants for the elections, which are scheduled for January 16, 2027.
In a post on X following the ruling, Obi expressed his shock and concern, emphasizing the impact such a development could have on the political landscape just months before the elections. He stated, “This is unsettling and surprising,” calling for stability and certainty in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections. Obi acknowledged the judiciary’s role but voiced that multiple uncertainties surrounding candidates and parties are detrimental to the public interest.
He criticized the APC for allegedly engineering this political instability, suggesting that they have been active in undermining both the ADC and his former party, the Labour Party. Obi remarked, “This instability is obviously engineered by the ruling party,” emphasizing that the strength of democracy relies on the protection of opposition parties and a fair electoral process.
In response to Obi’s accusations, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed them as unfounded, questioning why opposition figures blame the ruling party only when court decisions go against them. He indicated that a formal response to the claims would be issued soon.
