Obi, PDP, NDC condemn ‘judicial banditry’ that could sideline party from 2027 elections
A federal court ruling that effectively revoked the National Democratic Congress (NDC) registration has sparked outrage across Nigeria’s opposition, with Peter Obi, the PDP, and the NDC vowing to fight what they call a “judicial coup.”
Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja on Friday set aside his own December 2025 judgment that had compelled INEC to register the NDC, ruling that the earlier decision violated the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which was never joined to the original suit.
‘We Are Not Deregistered’
NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas insisted the ruling does not amount to deregistration and announced plans to appeal immediately.
“The trial court lacked jurisdiction to set aside its final judgment through a motion,” Cleopas stated, accusing unnamed forces of attempting to “shrink the democratic space.”
Obi: ‘Setback for Democracy’
Peter Obi condemned the judgment as “another setback for our democracy,” warning that “democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence.”
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it,” he said.
PDP Faction: ‘Economic Crime’
The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction described the ruling as “asphyxiation of multiparty democracy” and “an economic crime against Nigerians who invested in the party.”
‘Judicial Banditry’
The NDC House of Representatives caucus accused the APC of orchestrating a “judicial coup,” calling the ruling “an assault on democracy.”
“The 90-day statutory window to challenge our registration closed long ago. Strangely, INEC was not the appellant,” the lawmakers noted.
Dire Warnings from Supporters
Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso warned of consequences if the ruling stands.
“If their aim is to stop Obi and Kwankwaso from being on the ballot, it is not possible. We will burn this country down,” said John Ughulu of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
Kwankwasiyya spokesman Habibu Muhammed called it a “gimmick” and “plot by hirelings” to make the APC the only standing party.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the Obidient Movement warned that “this highly manipulated judicial rascality will only set the country on fire.”
What’s Next?
The NDC has vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary, arguing the 90-day window to challenge their registration had expired and INEC should have been the challenger not a rival party.
