Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent court judgment delivered in Lokoja as “an unnecessary serious setback for Nigerian democracy,” warning that the nation’s democratic institutions are gradually being weakened by political interference.
Obi made the remarks on Friday after receiving news of the Lokoja court rulings while attending official engagements in Imo State.
According to him, the day began with a visit to the School of Nursing Sciences in Emekuku, where he inspected projects executed through his previous interventions, including the institution’s computer laboratory. He said the visit reaffirmed his conviction that sustained investment in education remains vital to Nigeria’s development.
“I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development,” Obi stated.
He later attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.
It was at Madonna University, he disclosed, that his brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, informed him of the Lokoja court judgment.
Reacting to the development, Obi expressed deep concern over what he described as another blow to Nigeria’s democratic system.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as deliberate attempts by some political actors to undermine democratic institutions.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
Obi warned that both the legislature and the judiciary were increasingly being drawn into what he termed a pattern of institutional decline.
“The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, Obi recalled that he had taken a similar position when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faced a related challenge.
“Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle,” he added.
The former presidential candidate stressed that his concern was not about political ambition but about ensuring Nigeria functions effectively.
“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. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations,” Obi said.
He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to unite in defending the nation’s democratic institutions.
“I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. 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 concluded.
