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 forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Monday, Oseni questioned the timing of the lawsuit seeking to nullify the party’s registration, pointing out that it was filed just two days after former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi joined the NDC.

According to him, Obi officially joined the party on May 3, while the suit challenging the NDC’s registration was filed on May 5 by what he described as a “faceless group.”

Oseni argued that the development followed a pattern of legal actions targeting opposition parties in recent months. He questioned why those now challenging the NDC’s registration had not raised objections earlier and suggested the case was part of a coordinated effort to undermine opposition politics.

The broadcaster also referred to the court proceedings involving the ADC, noting that the judgment in that case had been widely criticised.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the necessary code that would enable the party to upload its required documents, warning that actions perceived as restricting opposition participation could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

Oseni maintained that the sequence of events surrounding Obi’s defection to the NDC and the subsequent court challenge pointed to a deliberate attempt to frustrate the opposition, although he provided no evidence to support the allegation.

“I’m not surprised. I predicted that more of these things would happen. There is a grand attempt to ensure that the opposition is weakened before the election,” he said.

“Peter Obi joined the NDC on May 3, and the case was filed on May 5 by yet another faceless group. It is the same pattern we saw with the ADC case.

“This too will go the same way. It is a direct orchestration, and opposition parties should not go to sleep because there will be more challenges ahead.”

Oseni further urged INEC to allow the NDC access to the necessary registration processes.

“Please give them the issuance code. Let parties upload their documents. Everything is beginning to look like a grand conspiracy in this election cycle.

“If you are confident you can win, then allow the opposition to participate freely. Don’t hold them back. Actions like these only raise questions about the credibility of the electoral process,” he said.

He added that any perceived attempt to stifle opposition parties could become part of the narrative surrounding the fairness and credibility of the 2027 elections.