Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed that he will be on the ballot for the 2027 presidential election despite a court ruling that overturned the recognition of his party. Speaking on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Madonna University in Anambra state, Obi accused the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of doing everything possible to obstruct his candidacy.
Court Overturns NDC Registration
Hours before Obi's speech, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi state, set aside its earlier judgment from December 2025 that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties. The court upheld an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued it was a necessary party to the suit. Dashen declared the earlier ruling null and void and restored the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Obi Accuses Tinubu Government
Reacting to the ruling, Obi stated: "Today, the federal government of Nigeria is doing everything possible to ensure that I am not a candidate in this 2027 election. But I assure you, they won't win." He acknowledged that his presidential ambition would face numerous obstacles but insisted that "it is obstacles that build leaders." Obi left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in May 2026, citing a toxic political environment plagued by court cases, internal divisions, and suspicion. He alleged that the same forces that destabilized the Labour Party had infiltrated the ADC.
Legal and Political Context
The NDC's registration was initially ordered by the court in December 2025, but the PMP challenged the decision, leading to Friday's ruling. Obi's vow to remain in the race underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding his candidacy. The former Anambra state governor and Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election has been seeking a new political platform after leaving the Labour Party. The NDC is seen as his vehicle for the 2027 election, but the court's decision has cast uncertainty on its legal status.
Prophetess Warns Obi
In a separate development, Prophetess Bright Ndibunwa, founder of The Lord of Hosts Miracle Chapel, prophesied that Obi could be involved in a road accident. In a video shared on Facebook, she also predicted a fire disaster from a potential vehicle accident involving Obi. The prophecy has added a layer of intrigue to the political drama.
Obi's Determination
Despite the setbacks, Obi remains resolute. He emphasized that he is prepared for the challenges ahead, stating that his ambition is not about personal gain but about nation-building. The 2027 election is expected to be highly competitive, with Obi positioning himself as a key opposition figure against the Tinubu administration.
