Presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the state of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial institutions, alleging that some academics, lawmakers and senior lawyers have contributed to the weakening of the country’s democratic system.
Obi made the remarks on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he reflected on his experience challenging an election result in court.
He said …
“I went to the Court of Appeal; five judges I had never met gave judgment in my favour. So, if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections.”
He added …
“Where 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 blessing. We have a crisis.”
He accused some professors of facilitating electoral malpractice, lawmakers of weakening electoral laws and senior lawyers of defending alleged acts of forgery.
Obi also criticised the judiciary, alleging that some judges had become politically aligned.
“And above all, our judges are now singing, ‘On your mandate we stand.’”
The former Anambra State governor described the situation as evidence of a broader institutional crisis and called for efforts to reverse the decline.
Watch video below …
“Professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections”
~ Peter Obi says pic.twitter.com/PIUwp4YCuH
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 11, 2026
