...Calls for judicial independence
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing a serious institutional crisis, accusing educated elites and influential professionals of contributing to the erosion of electoral integrity and democratic values.
Obi spoke at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State, where he expressed concern over developments in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems and called for renewed commitment to credible elections, institutional accountability and the rule of law.
The former governor said the growing tolerance of electoral malpractice and questionable legal practices posed a grave threat to the survival and credibility of democracy in the country.
Reflecting on his experience with the judiciary, Obi recalled that he once approached the Court of Appeal and obtained a favourable judgment from a five-member panel whose members, according to him, he had never met.
He, however, contrasted that experience with what he described as the disturbing developments in the country’s electoral process.
“So if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig election,” Obi said.
He also questioned the implications of changes to electoral legislation, particularly the removal of forgery as an electoral offence, arguing that such developments could weaken confidence in the electoral system.
“Where our lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matter,” he said.
Obi further criticised the involvement of senior legal practitioners in cases involving allegations of electoral violations, as well as what he described as the conduct of some religious leaders towards politicians accused of wrongdoing.
“Our senior advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery. Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessing,” he alleged.
According to him, the challenge confronting Nigeria’s democracy extends beyond the conduct of elections to the institutions and individuals entrusted with protecting democratic principles and ensuring accountability.
He expressed particular concern over what he described as the politicisation of the judiciary, warning that perceived compromises in the justice system could further erode citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.
“We have a crisis and above all our judges are singing ‘On your mandate we stand’,” Obi said.
He argued that a democracy could not function effectively where electoral malpractice was normalised and institutions charged with upholding the law were perceived as being compromised.
Obi therefore called for urgent reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that electoral processes were transparent, credible and accountable.
He stressed that political leaders, professionals, religious authorities and other influential members of society had a responsibility to uphold democratic values rather than legitimise practices capable of undermining the electoral process.
The former presidential candidate’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and renewed national debate over electoral reforms, judicial independence and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
