Peter Obi Condemns Lokoja Court Judgment, Warns of Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has described the recent Lokoja court judgment as “an unnecessary serious setback for Nigerian democracy,” warning that the ruling further weakens public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
Obi made the remarks after learning of the court’s decision while attending official engagements in Imo State. According to him, he departed Lagos early to inspect projects at the School of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, including a computer laboratory funded through his previous interventions, before attending the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna, and another event at Madonna University.
He disclosed that it was at Madonna University that he received news of the Lokoja court rulings from former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Reacting to the development, Obi said every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned, describing the judgment as another blow to the nation’s democratic journey.
He lamented that individuals who claim to defend democracy now appear determined to undermine the institutions that sustain it, warning that such actions erode public confidence and threaten Nigeria’s future.
“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,” he stated.
Obi stressed that his position was driven by principle rather than political interest, recalling that he similarly condemned actions affecting the ADC in the past.
“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works,” he said, adding that the nation’s politics must shift from the pursuit of power to building a country founded on justice, the rule of law, strong institutions, and equal opportunity.
He called on Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend the country’s democratic institutions, insisting that the survival of Nigeria depends on the strength and independence of its institutions.
Obi concluded with his familiar message of hope, saying: “It’s when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made possible.”