The Obidient Movement has accused the Federal Government and the judiciary of orchestrating a campaign to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that continued interference with democratic institutions could deepen public distrust and threaten national stability.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, condemned recent court pronouncements affecting the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing them as politically motivated attempts to frustrate the emergence of a credible opposition platform.

Tanko argued that the timing of legal actions challenging the NDC’s status as a political party, coming shortly after former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi joined the party, raised serious questions about the neutrality of state institutions.

According to him, the development reflects what he called a troubling trend in which the judiciary is increasingly being drawn into partisan political contests rather than serving as an independent arbiter of justice.

“The judiciary remains the last line of defence for democracy and social order,” Tanko said. “When citizens begin to perceive the courts as instruments of political interests rather than guardians of justice, confidence in the rule of law is inevitably weakened.”

The movement warned that the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political stability, stressing that a credible and independent judiciary is essential to preserving peace and democratic governance.

Tanko also alleged that growing support for the NDC and the wider opposition coalition has unsettled those in power, prompting attempts to restrict political competition through legal and institutional means rather than through the ballot box.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space must remain open and competitive, insisting that no political group should be denied the opportunity to freely participate in the electoral process.

The Obidient Movement further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions it described as obstructive to its mobilisation efforts but urged supporters across the country to remain calm, peaceful and committed to lawful democratic engagement.

Calling for the protection of judicial independence, Tanko urged the authorities to allow the courts to operate free from political pressure and to ensure that democratic processes are not manipulated for partisan advantage.

Despite the controversies surrounding the NDC, the movement expressed confidence that Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would remain key contenders in the 2027 presidential race.

The Federal Government, INEC and the judiciary had not issued official responses to the allegations at the time of this report.