Political activist Idris Zekeri Jr has alleged that the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is part of a coordinated effort to frustrate former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Naija Unfiltered, a Symfoni podcast, Zekeri described the judgment as “disgraceful” and argued that the NDC had lawfully fulfilled all requirements for registration before the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
He faulted the court for entertaining an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which challenged the NDC’s registration over its logo despite not being part of the original suit.
According to him, the ruling has done more damage to the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary than to the NDC itself.
“The ultimate casualty is the integrity of the judiciary,” he said, warning that politically controversial judgments could erode public confidence in the courts.
Zekeri argued that Peter Obi has consistently faced political and legal obstacles since the 2023 election, citing the leadership crisis in the Labour Party, subsequent disputes in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and now the court ruling involving the NDC.
“The ultimate target is Mr. Peter Obi,” he declared, maintaining that Obi remains Nigeria’s most popular opposition politician.
Despite the court ruling, he expressed confidence that Obi would contest the 2027 presidential election.
“Peter Obi will be on the ballot. Nigerians will insist that Peter Obi is on the ballot,” he said.
The activist also launched a blistering attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, alleging that poverty, hunger and insecurity have worsened significantly since the President assumed office.
He claimed that millions of Nigerians are experiencing acute hunger while insecurity has continued to spread across several states through kidnappings and attacks on communities.
According to Zekeri, these conditions have weakened the government’s chances of re-election.
“Tinubu has no pathway to victory in 2027,” he claimed.
He further accused the ruling party of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties instead of addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
On the judiciary, Zekeri urged judges to protect the independence of the courts, arguing that judicial officers must avoid actions capable of portraying the bench as partisan.
He also insisted that Nigerians, rather than politicians alone, would ultimately determine whether the 2027 elections are free and fair.
“It is the people that must protect their democracy,” he said, urging citizens to defend their votes and democratic rights.
Reacting to recent criticisms of Peter Obi by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Zekeri said he was disappointed by the former governor’s remarks.
He recalled that Oshiomhole had publicly praised Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State, invited him to commission projects in Edo State and once described him as Nigeria’s best-performing governor.
Zekeri rejected allegations that Obi failed on security during his tenure, arguing instead that Anambra was regarded as one of Nigeria’s safest states at the time.
He challenged Oshiomhole to focus on insecurity and infrastructure deficits in Edo North rather than criticizing the former Anambra governor.
Throughout the interview, Zekeri maintained that the NDC would successfully challenge the court judgment on appeal and insisted that neither the litigation nor ongoing political disputes would stop the party’s activities.
He predicted that Peter Obi would remain on the ballot, win the 2027 presidential election and lead reforms focused on security, economic recovery, infrastructure, healthcare and accountability in government.
He, however, stressed that achieving democratic change would ultimately depend on Nigerians actively participating in the electoral process and insisting on free, fair and credible elections.
