Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court’sdecision to deregister several political parties, describing the move as a threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.

In a statement posted on his X account, Obi warned against what he called the growing politicisation of institutions that should remain independent and insulated from political influence.

Reacting to the court ruling, which reportedly affected parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the former Anambra State governor argued that strong nations are built on institutions that are stronger than individuals and political interests.

“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” Obi stated.

He expressed concern that the judgment could further erode public trust in the judiciary and called for its reversal. According to him, the perception of compromised institutions often causes lasting damage to a nation’s democratic foundations.

Obi recalled raising similar concerns during the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, noting that actions perceived as undermining institutional independence weaken public confidence.

He also highlighted the economic implications of weakened institutions, arguing that investors are more deterred by uncertainty in the rule of law than by security or market risks.

“Many businesses now prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own,” he said.

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the independence and integrity of the judiciary and urged judges, lawyers and other legal practitioners to continue defending the rule of law and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.