The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are facing a serious crisis, citing what he described as the growing normalisation of practices that undermine electoral integrity and the rule of law.
Obi spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he reflected on the state of democracy and governance in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor recalled spending three years in court challenging his election, saying judges he had never previously met ruled in his favour at both the High Court and Court of Appeal.
He argued that such judicial independence would be difficult to replicate 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. I went to Court of Appeal, five judges I never met gave judgement in my favour,” Obi said.
He contrasted that experience with what he described as a decline in democratic principles, alleging that influential professionals and institutions were increasingly becoming involved in practices that undermine electoral integrity.
“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. 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 said.
Obi urged Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and the condition of its democratic institutions.
He warned that accepting practices that weaken democracy could create consequences that future generations would be forced to confront.
“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 focused on the theme, “Beyond elections, can political parties and the judiciary save African democracy?”
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the gathering, which also featured constitutional experts and civil society representatives from across Africa.
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