The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has described the recent Lokoja court judgment as "an unnecessary serious setback" for Nigeria's democracy, warning that the ruling could further erode public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.
Mr Obi made the remarks in a statement released on Saturday after receiving news of the court's decision while attending official engagements in Imo State.
According to him, the day began with a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences, Holy Rosary Hospital, Emekuku, where he inspected projects previously funded through his interventions, including the institution's computer laboratory. He also attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.
Mr Obi said he received news of the Lokoja court ruling while at Madonna University through former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Reacting to the development, the NDC presidential candidate expressed concern over what he described as the growing decline of democratic institutions in the country.
"Every Nigerian committed to the country's progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends," he said.
Mr Obi argued that democracy cannot flourish where institutions lose their independence and credibility, adding that both the legislature and judiciary are increasingly being drawn into what he termed a pattern of institutional decline.
He further alleged that those who claim to champion democracy were now weakening the institutions meant to sustain it, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence and endanger Nigeria's democratic future.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that his position was based on principle rather than political interest. He recalled that he had similarly criticised actions affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) when a comparable situation arose.
"My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity," Mr Obi stated.
He called on Nigerians to set aside partisan interests and work collectively to defend the country's democratic institutions, stressing that the survival of democracy depends on the independence and credibility of those institutions.
"The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It is when we work together that a New Nigeria of our dreams becomes possible," he added.
The Lokoja court ruling has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders across the country, with differing opinions emerging over its implications for Nigeria's democratic process.
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