By Suzan Edeh, BauchiThe presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a warning over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that the country faces a grave crisis driven by the erosion of judicial independence and electoral credibility.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a warning over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that the country faces a grave crisis driven by the erosion of judicial independence and electoral credibility.
Obi made the remarks on Tuesday during the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, held at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi.
The high-profile event drew key political figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, serving and former governors, and former vice presidents.
Lauding former President Jonathan as a “true democrat” for his unwavering commitment to peace, Obi used the occasion to contrast the country’s current political climate with his past experiences.
He recalled his three-year legal battle to reclaim his mandate following the 2003 Anambra State governorship election.
“I never met the judges. Five judges I had never met delivered judgments in my favour. That cannot happen in Nigeria today. I was a beneficiary of a process I had no influence over, and it was that judgment that made me governor.” Obi stated.
The former governor expressed deep concern over the degeneration of national institutions, criticizing academics and lawmakers for enabling systemic flaws.
He noted that highly educated citizens, including senior professors, are now actively defending compromised elections, while the youth are increasingly being drawn into criminal political activities.
“Our lawmakers are manipulating the electoral process. Senior professors are defending it. We have a crisis,” Obi warned, urging citizens to demand immediate accountability before the system completely collapses.
“There are things we are allowing today that will come back to hurt our children.” he added.
The annual dialogue, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, continues to serve as a major national forum for serving and former leaders to address critical challenges undermining democratic governance in Nigeria.
