The Obidient Movement has condemned a Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties, describing the ruling as a threat to political inclusion and democratic participation in Nigeria.
The order, delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directed INEC to delist the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party over alleged failure to meet constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister parties that fail to meet electoral benchmarks, including winning at least 25 per cent of votes in any state in a presidential election or securing at least one elective office.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement said it was concerned about the implications of the ruling for Nigeria’s democratic space.
The group described itself as “an organic movement driven by the self-sacrifice, commitment, and collective determination of Nigerians who believe that a New Nigeria is Possible,” adding that it is aligned with the political philosophy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
