Obi Urges Legal Professionals to Defend Judiciary Integrity

Peter Obi, the former governor and a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, called on lawyers and judges to uphold the rule of law in light of a recent court ruling that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Obi's statement emphasized the need for the judiciary to maintain public confidence, drawing attention to the systematic collapse of Nigerian institutions and the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen.

He noted that the unpredictable nature of the judiciary could deter economic investment and security policies, as foreign entities often seek contracts in jurisdictions with trustworthy legal systems. The ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which affected the ADC and other parties, was based on their failure to meet constitutional thresholds outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.

Obi pledged to restore judicial independence and ensure impartial access to the legal system for citizens.