“My Concern Is Not About Who Becomes President” – Peter Obi Reacts As Court Deregisters NDC

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed deep concerns about the court deregistration of the party.

He added that everyone committed to Nigeria’s progress should be deeply concerned, as the judgment represents another setback for the country’s democracy and the institutions on which its future depends.

According to him, he had a busy day, and the court order was brought to his attention by the NDC Vice-Presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Obi, in his reaction through a personally signed statement released on Friday, alleged that the legislature and judiciary are being drawn into a pattern by the ruling party to weaken institutions in Nigeria.

The former Anambra State Governor stated that he is not concerned about who ultimately emerges president of Nigeria, but is worried about the survival of institutions in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that he called for action beyond partisan lines to save democracy in Nigeria, submitting that 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.

Below is the full statement titled “Lokoja Judgment: An Unnecessary Serious Setback for Nigerian Democracy.”

“Today was an exceptionally busy day. I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development.

“From there, I attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Obinna, whose commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has inspired many, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.

“It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“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.

“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 legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.

“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.

“My concern is not about who becomes President. 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.”