Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has alleged that the legal challenge against the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was orchestrated to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Monday, Oseni questioned the timing of the lawsuit seeking to nullify the registration of the NDC, claiming it was filed just two days after Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, joined the party.
According to him, Obi officially became a member of the NDC on May 3, while the court case challenging the party’s registration was instituted on May 5 by what he described as a “faceless group.”
Oseni argued that the sequence of events was not a coincidence, alleging that it formed part of a broader effort to weaken opposition political parties before Nigerians go to the polls in 2027.
“You know why? There’s a grand attempt to ensure that the opposition is weakened before the election. Write it down. Grand attempt,” he said during the program.
He claimed that the lawsuit followed a pattern similar to recent legal actions involving other opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has also been involved in legal disputes.
According to the broadcaster, the same style of litigation appears to be emerging whenever opposition parties begin to gain momentum.
“Peter Obi officially went to the NDC on the 3rd of May. The case was filed on the 5th of May by yet again another faceless group, just like the one with the ADC. The same pattern,” Oseni said.
Although he maintained that the development suggested a coordinated effort against the opposition, Oseni did not provide evidence to support his allegation.
He also criticised the judgment delivered in the case involving the ADC, saying it had generated public debate and legal criticism.
Without going into the legal details, he argued that the ruling did not appear convincing and expressed confidence that the latest case involving the NDC would face similar legal challenges.
“I’ve seen the judgment. I don’t want to go into legal arguments, but it falls flat on its face again. The NDC has said they are going to seek a stay of execution. Let’s see,” he said.
Oseni also referred to Justice Lifu, who handled an earlier political case, claiming that despite public criticism of the judgment, no serious action had been taken against the judge apart from what he described as a verbal reprimand by the Court of Appeal.
He urged members of the opposition not to relax, insisting that more legal and political challenges could emerge as preparations for the next general election gather pace.
“This too will go like that. It’s a direct orchestration. I think the opposition should not sleep because they’re going to have more,” he added.
The television anchor also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the necessary code that would enable the NDC to upload its required documents and continue the registration process.
According to him, denying or delaying such administrative procedures could create the impression that the electoral process is being manipulated to favour certain political interests.
“I would like to advise INEC, please give them the issuance code. It’s not a big deal. Let parties be able to upload because everything is looking like a grand conspiracy when you look at this election cycle,” he said.
He warned that any action seen as restricting opposition parties could damage public confidence in the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Oseni said the electoral umpire should ensure that all registered political parties receive equal treatment, regardless of their political affiliation.
“In case your advisers are not advising you well, you’re already tainting the credibility of the election before the elections even come. Whatever happens then, these are part of the stories we are going to tell,” he said.
He further argued that political competition should be open and fair, stressing that any party confident of victory should allow all opponents to participate freely in the electoral process.
“If you feel you can win, win freely. Nobody is stopping you from winning. But all of this shenanigan, all of this kangaroo manipulation, it’s not fair,” he said.
Oseni also rejected suggestions that the opposition’s current difficulties were entirely self-inflicted, saying some observers had ignored what he believes are external efforts to frustrate opposition parties.
“It goes back to our initial premise that a lot of people try defending, saying they are not attacking the opposition and that they have their own internal squabbles,” he said.
The NDC has recently attracted attention following reports that Peter Obi joined the party as political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum.
The suit challenging the party’s registration has added another layer to the growing political contest expected to shape the next election cycle.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has not publicly responded to Oseni’s comments or his call for the issuance of the party’s registration code as of the time of filing this report.
The legal challenge against the NDC is expected to proceed through the courts, while the party has indicated that it will pursue legal options, including seeking a stay of execution, as it battles to retain its registration.