By Idriss LAWAL
Who is afraid of Peter Obi? That is the question begging for answer as The Obidient Movement has allegedly accused the Federal Government and the judiciary for the current deregistration of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, raised the concern at a news conference in Abuja.
The movement described the Lokoja FHC judgement as a deliberate attempt to stop its presidential candidate, Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from contesting the presidential election.
He fingered the ruling government and judiciary as the ones plotting to frustrate the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that any attempt to manipulate the democratic process could push the country towards anarchy.
He alleged that the verdict was politically motivated and designed to cripple opposition forces.
According to him, the fact that the suit was filed barely three days after Obi joined the NDC was enough proof that “a hatchet job” was underway to prevent him from appearing on the ballot in 2027.
Tanko said: “For the avoidance of doubt, this is a hatchet job by the present administration to ensure that our principal, Mr Peter Obi, is not on the ballot in 2027.
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“We are completely blunt: the Nigerian judiciary is actively surrendering itself to the dictates and caprices of the APC regime. It is no longer behaving as an impartial guardian of justice; it has been captured and weaponised as a tool of partisan warfare.”
The NDC has filed a notice of appeal and a motion for a stay of execution of the judgment of a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
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National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, confirmed the development yesterday just as the Obidient Movement accused the Federal Government and the judiciary of plotting to frustrate the opposition ahead of next year’s general election.
Director told Newsafricng.com the:” The party(NDC) has filed both its appeal and an application for stay of execution in respect of the judgment and is taking all necessary legal steps to protect its interests. “
