Rufai Oseni, an anchor at Arise Television, has alleged that the legal challenge against the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) may be part of a wider attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Monday, Oseni questioned the timing of the lawsuit challenging the NDC’s registration, noting that it was filed just two days after Peter Obi joined the party.
According to him, Obi officially became part of the NDC on May 3, while the suit seeking to nullify the party’s registration was filed on May 5 by what he described as an unidentified group.
Oseni argued that the development fits a pattern of legal actions targeting opposition parties in recent months, raising concerns over what he called coordinated attempts to disrupt alternative political platforms.
He also referenced similar court proceedings involving the African Democratic Congress, saying those rulings had also drawn criticism.
The broadcaster called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue the necessary code that would allow the NDC to upload required documents, stressing that any move perceived as restricting opposition participation could damage public trust in the electoral process.
Oseni maintained that the sequence of events surrounding Obi’s defection and the subsequent legal challenge raised serious questions, though he acknowledged he had no direct evidence to prove orchestration.
BACKSTORY:
The controversy surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified in recent weeks following legal challenges to its registration, coming at a time when the party is positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tensions rose further after Peter Obi reportedly joined the party, a move seen by political observers as a significant boost to its growing influence.
The legal dispute gained attention after a Federal High Court in Lokoja revisited issues surrounding the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, sparking accusations from party leaders and supporters that the judiciary is being used to frustrate opposition movements.
The development also comes amid broader concerns over increasing legal and political battles involving opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, as political alignments continue to shift ahead of the next election cycle. Critics argue that these events could shape the credibility and competitiveness of the 2027 polls.
