The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over the systematic weakening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi alleged that “professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections,” while judges have turned into rubber stamps for stolen mandates.
The former Anambra State governor made these remarks on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State. He lamented what he described as the steady erosion of electoral integrity, judicial independence, and the rule of law, warning that electoral malpractice is fast becoming normalized in the country.
Expressing concern over the complicity of institutions meant to safeguard democracy, Obi said:
“I went to the Court of Appeal [years ago], and five judges I never met gave judgment in my favor. Compare that to what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are aiding illiterates to rig elections, lawmakers have removed forgery as an offense in electoral matters, Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery, and religious leaders are praying for and blessing criminal politicians. We have a crisis.”
He added: “Above all, our judges are now singing, ‘On your mandate we shall stand.'”
Although the NDC candidate did not cite specific court cases or individuals, his comments come amid heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 polls. Opposition parties and civil rights groups have repeatedly questioned the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
Obi argued that democratic governance cannot survive when the very institutions charged with protecting the ballot box become enablers of fraud. He stated that Nigeria’s political and judicial systems are facing a severe credibility crisis that requires urgent intervention from citizens.
Warning that the nation’s democracy will continue to deteriorate without accountability, Obi urged Nigerians to reject institutional compromise and demand comprehensive electoral and judicial reforms.
