9th November, 2026 | News

Peter Obi Questions Timing of Court Ruling Nullifying ADC Leadership

Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the timing of a Federal High Court ruling nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that uncertainty within political parties could affect opposition participation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi made his position known in a statement published on his X account on Thursday, following the court’s decision in Abuja to nullify the emergence of the ADC chairman and actions taken under his leadership.

Describing the development as unsettling, Obi said he respected the judiciary’s responsibility to resolve disputes according to the law but questioned the timing of the ruling with the general election approaching.

“I do not challenge the ruling of the court. The court of law is constituted to determine disputes according to the law. My concern is that three months before a general election, it is in the public interest to have certainty,” he stated.

Obi alleged that the ruling was part of a wider effort by the ruling party to create instability within opposition parties. He claimed that similar developments had affected his political activities in the Labour Party.

He further alleged that uncertainty within opposition parties could restrict political campaigns and weaken the ability of candidates to participate effectively in the electoral process.

Emphasising the importance of citizens’ participation in democracy, Obi said voters should ultimately determine who governs the country through free and fair elections.

“One mark of democracy is that at all times, it is voters and not courts that choose leaders,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate, however, reiterated his confidence in the judiciary and appealed to judicial authorities and other stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and ensure that political candidates are not unfairly excluded from elections.

Obi also warned that Nigeria should strengthen opposition politics, particularly amid military takeovers and political instability in parts of West Africa.

He pledged that, if elected president, his administration would work to ensure opposition parties could operate freely and that their candidates would not be forced out of electoral contests.

“This is a time to strengthen our democracy by allowing the opposition to thrive,” he said.

He concluded his statement with his familiar slogan: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”