My Concern is Not About Who Becomes President – Peter Obi Reacts to NDC Deregistration
The presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has broken his silence following a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that nullified an earlier order forcing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the political party.
Describing the judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen as an unnecessary and serious setback for Nigerian democracy, Obi warned that constant institutional interference is threatening the future of millions of citizens.
He revealed that he received the news from his political ally, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while attending engagements at Madonna University after visiting a school of nursing sciences and celebrating the 80th birthday of Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.
Reacting to the development, the former Anambra State governor expressed worry over what he called a growing pattern of institutional decline across the country. He argued that democracy cannot survive when the legislature and the judiciary lose their independence and credibility.
Obi pointed out that his opposition to these types of judicial decisions is rooted in long-standing democratic principles rather than personal ambition, noting that he voiced the same strong condemnation when a similar deregistration situation recently affected the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned,” Obi stated. “This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends. 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.”
The former governor stressed that those who are trying to weaken the nation’s democratic foundations will not win in the end. He urged citizens to look past narrow partisan politics and realize that the survival of the country is completely tied to the strength and transparency of its public institutions.
Obi added that his ongoing political struggle is focused entirely on the long-term health of the nation rather than a personal hunger for the presidency.
“My concern is not about who becomes President,” Obi said. “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. 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’s when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made possible.”
