Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has described the recent Federal High Court ruling restricting the recognition of the party as a temporary obstacle rather than the end of its political journey.
Obi made the remarks after a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the NDC as a registered political party until all legal disputes surrounding its formation are fully resolved.
Despite the ruling, the former Anambra State governor urged his supporters across the country to remain calm and optimistic, assuring them that his legal team was already reviewing the judgment and preparing the next line of action.
In a statement released through Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri, the former Labour Party presidential candidate said the movement would pursue every available legal option to challenge the court’s decision.
According to the statement, the organisation has been inundated with calls from journalists, supporters and concerned Nigerians seeking clarification on what it described as an unusual court ruling.
Our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, the statement said.
Obi appealed to members of the coalition, supporters and Nigerians backing the movement not to lose hope, insisting that the political project remains firmly on course.
Reacting to the development, Obi maintained that legal challenges were expected in the quest to build a credible political alternative for Nigerians.
He said those behind the movement had always anticipated resistance from entrenched political interests determined to preserve the existing system.
According to him, the latest court ruling represents only a temporary hurdle rather than a permanent roadblock.
“Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign,” the statement declared.
“Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable. The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued.
The statement further stressed that the movement would not be discouraged by what it described as a temporary legal setback.
Using a metaphor to reassure supporters, Obi noted that while the political vehicle might experience a temporary breakdown, the destination remains unchanged.
He urged party faithful, coalition partners and Nigerians seeking political change to remain focused while the legal process runs its course.
The Federal High Court’s decision has introduced fresh uncertainty over the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of preparations for the 2027 general election.
However, Obi’s camp insists the judgment will be challenged through the appropriate legal channels and expressed confidence that the issues surrounding the party’s recognition will ultimately be resolved in its favour.
