The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described the recent Lokoja court judgment as “an unnecessary serious setback” for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the ruling poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional order.
Obi made the remarks in a statement released after learning of the court’s decision while attending official engagements in Imo State. He said the judgment should concern every patriotic Nigerian who desires a stable democracy and a nation governed by the rule of law.
Recounting the events of his day, the former Anambra State governor disclosed that he had departed Lagos early in the morning for Emekuku, where he visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution he has consistently supported through educational interventions over the years.
According to him, the visit provided an opportunity to inspect projects previously funded through his support, including the school’s computer laboratory. Obi noted that seeing the facilities in operation further reinforced his conviction that investment in education remains one of the most effective strategies for national development and sustainable progress.
“Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development,” he said.
Following the visit to the nursing institution, Obi proceeded to attend the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, whom he described as a respected religious leader whose lifelong commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has continued to inspire Nigerians across generations.
He later travelled to Madonna University for another scheduled engagement, where he received news of the Lokoja court judgment through former Kano State governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The development, Obi said, immediately shifted his attention from the day’s activities to the implications of the judgment for Nigeria’s democratic future.
Expressing deep concern over the court’s decision, Obi maintained that the judgment represents another significant blow to the country’s democratic journey and weakens the institutions that are expected to safeguard constitutional governance.
“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 stated.
The former governor lamented what he described as an increasing pattern of actions capable of eroding democratic values and diminishing public confidence in key state institutions.
According to him, it is unfortunate that some individuals who publicly portray themselves as defenders of democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions established to protect democratic governance.
“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,” Obi said.
He warned that both the legislature and the judiciary are gradually becoming victims of institutional decline, stressing that democracy cannot flourish where critical institutions lose their independence, credibility, and capacity to act without external influence.
Obi argued that strong institutions, rather than powerful individuals, remain the cornerstone of every successful democracy, adding that any attempt to compromise their independence ultimately weakens the nation’s constitutional framework.
“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 noted.
While expressing confidence that Nigeria’s democratic ideals would ultimately prevail, Obi insisted that those seeking to undermine democratic institutions would not succeed in the long run.
He recalled taking a similar principled position when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently faced challenges, stressing that his commitment has always been to democratic values rather than partisan interests.
“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 stated.
Obi further clarified that his intervention should not be interpreted as a struggle for political office but rather as a defence of Nigeria’s democratic future.
“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works,” he declared.
He urged political leaders to move beyond the pursuit of power and instead concentrate on building a nation anchored on justice, the rule of law, accountable governance, and equal opportunities for all citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s political class must embrace a new vision centred on strengthening institutions, promoting national unity, and creating an environment where every citizen can realise his or her potential regardless of political affiliation or background.
Obi maintained that such a nation would represent the true legacy today’s leaders owe future generations.
Concluding his statement, the former presidential candidate called on Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to defend the country’s democratic institutions, insisting that the survival of democracy depends on the collective resolve of citizens to protect constitutional governance.
“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,” he said.
He reaffirmed his optimism about the country’s future, saying that a better Nigeria remains achievable if citizens unite in pursuit of justice, accountability, and strong democratic institutions.
“It is when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dreams is made possible,” Obi concluded.
