Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has alleged that the legal challenge against the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was deliberately orchestrated to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Monday, Oseni argued that the timing of the lawsuit raised serious questions, noting that it was filed just two days after Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, joined the NDC.
According to him, Obi officially became a member of the party on May 3, while the suit seeking to nullify the NDC’s registration was instituted on May 5 by what he described as a “faceless group.”
Oseni said the development followed a pattern similar to recent legal actions involving other opposition parties, claiming the sequence of events suggested a coordinated effort to frustrate opposition movements.
“Let me start with the NDC registration. I’m not surprised. I think I predicted it here. I said more will happen,” he said.
“There’s a grand attempt to ensure that the opposition is weakened before the election. Write it down — grand attempt.”
The broadcaster questioned why objections to the party’s registration only emerged after Obi’s defection, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the case deserved closer scrutiny.
“Peter Obi went to the NDC on the 3rd of May. That case was filed on the 5th of May by yet again another faceless group, just like the one with the ADC. It’s the same pattern,” he stated.
Oseni also referred to previous court proceedings involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the judgment in that matter had attracted criticism.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the necessary code that would enable the NDC upload required documents, warning that any action perceived as restricting opposition participation could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“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 beginning to look like a grand conspiracy in this election cycle,” he said.
He further cautioned that attempts to sideline opposition parties could damage the credibility of the 2027 elections.
“If you are confident you can win, then win freely. Don’t hold the opposition back. All of this manipulation is not fair. You’re already tainting the credibility of the election before it even begins,” he added.
Oseni, however, did not provide evidence to support his allegation that the legal challenge against the NDC was coordinated or politically motivated.
