Peter Obi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has demanded an immediate reversal of the order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to de-register the African Democratic Congress and others for constitutional breaches.
The other political parties are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a statement on Monday, Mr Obi attributed the development and other challenges to the collapse of institutions in the country.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. The Federal High Court judgement ordering the de-registration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduce the common man’s trust in our legal systems. It should be reversed,” Mr Obi stated.
While lamenting the lack of trust, especially in the judiciary, Mr Obi said Nigerians had lost confidence in the systems that should protect them.
“Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot,” the NDC presidential candidate explained.
The politician pledged to restore the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, stressing the need for impartial, accessible and justice respected by all.
Mr Obi’s statement came shortly after the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, ordered the deregistration of the ADC and four others for failing to meet the constitutional requirements for political parties in the country.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgement on Monday, said the affected parties failed to secure 25 per cent of the votes in the last general elections, in compliance with the provisions of the law.
