The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria, warning that the country is facing a serious crisis.
Obi spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he reflected on the state of democracy, elections and governance in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor recalled spending three years in court challenging his election, saying judges he had never met before delivered judgments in his favour.
According to Obi, such judicial independence would be difficult to witness in Nigeria today.
“I was in court for three years challenging my election, five judges that I never met for one day gave judgement in my favour, it cannot happen in Nigeria of today,” he said.
Obi said he subsequently went to the Court of Appeal, where he claimed another panel of five judges he had never met also ruled in his favour.
He contrasted the experience with what he described as the current state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“So, if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections, where our lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery,” Obi said.
He also criticised religious leaders for what he described as offering prayers and seeking blessings for politicians accused of criminal conduct.
“Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings. We have a crisis. And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate,” he added.
Obi urged Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and the strength of its democratic institutions.
He warned against accepting practices that undermine democratic values, saying the consequences could eventually affect future generations.
“We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children,” Obi said.
The 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue is centred on the theme: “Beyond elections, can political parties and the judiciary save African democracy?”
READ MORE: Adeleke Accuses Oyetola Of Intimidating Osun Voters
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the event, which also attracted constitutional experts, political actors and civil society representatives from across Africa.
The dialogue focused on the challenges confronting democratic governance on the continent and the role of political parties, the judiciary and other institutions in strengthening democracy beyond elections.
