Obidient Movement condemns court order to scrap five political parties

The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned a recent Federal High Court order mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The movement views this ruling as a significant threat to political inclusion and democratic participation in Nigeria.

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We align strongly with the ideas and principles of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, who has consistently demonstrated a different approach to politics by challenging the dominance of a money-driven political system.

The court order, issued by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja, directed INEC to delist the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party. The basis for the ruling was the parties' alleged failure to meet constitutional performance thresholds as stipulated by Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. The lawsuit was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators, questioning INEC's obligation to deregister parties that do not meet specific electoral benchmarks.

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As believers in democratic values, we are concerned about the deregistration of political parties such as ADC, AA, ZLP and APP.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Obidient Movement, which identifies as an "organic movement driven by the self-sacrifice, commitment, and collective determination of Nigerians who believe that a New Nigeria is Possible," expressed deep concern over the ruling's implications for Nigeria's democratic landscape. The group, aligned with the political philosophy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, warned that diminishing the number of available political platforms would inevitably undermine democratic choice and citizen participation.

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A vibrant democracy thrives on inclusiveness, political participation, and the availability of diverse platforms through which citizens can freely express their aspirations and choices.

The movement stressed that a vibrant democracy thrives on inclusiveness and the availability of diverse platforms for citizens to express their aspirations. It stated, "As believers in democratic values, we are concerned about the deregistration of political parties such as ADC, AA, ZLP and APP." They emphasized that Nigeria's democratic future should be built on fairness, credible institutions, and robust citizen engagement, rather than restrictions on political actors. The Obidient Movement reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement and voter mobilization, urging Nigerians to remain actively involved in the political process.

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The future of Nigeria’s democracy must be built on fairness, inclusion, credible institutions, and the active participation of citizens.