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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has warned that the continued abuse of democratic institutions in Nigeria could have serious consequences for future generations.
Obi spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic principles and institutions in the country.
The former Anambra State governor recalled his experience challenging his election in court, saying judges he had never met delivered judgments in his favour during the legal battle.
According to him, such judicial independence is becoming increasingly difficult to find in Nigeria.
“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,” Obi said.
He also criticised what he described as the declining standards in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems, alleging that individuals and institutions that should protect democracy were increasingly enabling practices that undermine it.
“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,” he said.
Peter Obi also criticised the role of religious leaders and the judiciary in the country’s political process.
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“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 added.
The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and resist the normalisation of practices that weaken democratic institutions.
He warned that allowing such abuses to continue could ultimately affect future generations.
“We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children,” Obi said.
The 2026 GJF 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 Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and other political and civil society figures.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the dialogue, which also featured constitutional experts and civil society representatives from across Africa.
