The Obidient Movement has criticised a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, warning that the decision could shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and limit political participation.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered INEC to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from the register of political parties.
The court ruling followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which sought a declaration that INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy electoral performance requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the suit, parties that fail to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during a presidential election or do not win at least one elective position are liable for deregistration.
Reacting to the judgment, the Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, expressed concern over the implications of the ruling for democratic inclusion and political competition.
The group, which identifies itself as a grassroots movement inspired by the political ideals of Peter Obi, argued that democracy flourishes when citizens have access to multiple political platforms through which they can express their views and aspirations.
“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 statement said.
The movement maintained that reducing the number of registered political parties could weaken democratic participation and restrict the choices available to voters.
“As believers in democratic values, we are concerned about the deregistration of political parties such as ADC, AA, ZLP and APP. A vibrant democracy thrives on inclusiveness, political participation, and the availability of diverse platforms through which citizens can freely express their aspirations and choices,” it stated.
The Obidient Movement further stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future should be anchored on fairness, credible institutions, accountability, and broader citizen engagement rather than measures that could be perceived as limiting political competition.
Reaffirming its commitment to civic participation, the group urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the political process and prepare for future elections by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The future of Nigeria’s democracy must be built on fairness, inclusion, credible institutions, and the active participation of citizens,” the statement added.
Encouraging voter mobilisation, the movement described the PVC as a powerful democratic tool, noting that every election presents an opportunity for citizens to influence the direction of the country through the ballot box.
