Professors Now Aid Illiterates In Rigging Election — Obi Laments Decline In Democratic Principles

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has decried what he described as the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria, saying that academic professors now aid election rigging in the country.

The former Anambra State governor spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he reflected on the state of democracy and governance in the country.

Obi recalled spending three years in court challenging his election as Anambra State governor, noting that judges he had never met previously delivered judgments in his favour.

He said such an experience 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 judgment in my favour. It cannot happen in Nigeria of today,” Obi said.

He said he also proceeded to the Court of Appeal, where five judges he had never met also ruled in his favour.

Obi expressed concern about what he described as the growing involvement of professionals and institutions in practices that could undermine the electoral process.

He said, “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.”

The former governor urged Nigerians to critically examine the country’s direction and question the state of its democratic institutions.

He warned against the normalisation of practices that undermine democracy, stressing that the consequences could be inherited by future generations.

According to him, “We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children.”

The 2026 GJF Democracy Dialogue was anchored 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 Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, hosted the event, which also brought together constitutional experts and civil society representatives from across Africa.