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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned that the growing erosion of integrity in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial institutions poses a serious threat to the country’s democracy and future.
Obi raised the concern at the annual Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, on Tuesday, where he called on Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and take urgent steps to reverse what he described as a disturbing democratic decline.
Recalling his experience of challenging his election in court, Obi said the judiciary once demonstrated a level of independence that gave citizens confidence that justice could prevail regardless of political interests.
The former Anambra State governor said he spent three years challenging his presidential election and obtained favourable judgments from judges whom he said he had never met before.
According to him, the situation he experienced then contrasts sharply with what is happening in Nigeria today, where key institutions that should protect democracy are increasingly being weakened by political interests.
Obi expressed concern over the alleged involvement of academics in electoral malpractice, changes to electoral laws, religious leaders who publicly support politicians accused of wrongdoing and judicial decisions that raise questions about the independence of the judiciary.
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The former Labour Party presidential candidate said the developments should concern every Nigerian because democracy cannot survive when institutions established to protect it lose their credibility.
“Where is our nation going?” Obi asked, urging Nigerians to engage in serious self-examination and collectively confront the problems undermining the country’s democratic system.
Obi warned that the consequences of allowing democratic institutions to deteriorate would not end with the present generation.
“We need to reverse this, because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children,” he said.
Obi’s warning comes amid continuing national concerns over the credibility of elections, political accountability, institutional independence and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He urged Nigerians not to remain passive observers but to recognise that the survival of democracy depends on the willingness of citizens and institutions to defend its core principles.
“Unexamined life is not worth living,” Obi said, stressing the need for Nigerians to pause, reflect on the state of the nation, and decide what kind of country they want to leave for future generations.
