Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has alleged that attempts are being made to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
Speaking at a leadership programme in Anambra State on Friday, Obi claimed that unnamed forces within the Federal Government were working to stop his name from appearing on the 2027 ballot.
Despite the legal setback, he insisted that his presidential ambition remains intact and challenged President Bola Tinubu and other prospective candidates to a public debate on governance and national development.
The controversy follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which vacated its previous judgment compelling INEC to register the NDC. Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier decision was flawed because the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claims rights to the NDC’s name and logo, was not joined in the original suit. The court subsequently directed INEC to suspend recognition of the party pending the determination of the substantive case.
Reacting to the decision, Obi described the judgment as “a hurdle, not a stop sign,” maintaining that the legal process would ultimately vindicate his party. NDC officials also expressed confidence that the ruling would be overturned on appeal, insisting that the party remains committed to participating in the 2027 elections.
Political observers note that the development comes as INEC begins preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle, making the legal status of new political parties increasingly significant.
