By our reporter 11.8.2026
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate in the 2027 election Peter Obi has chided intellectuals who help “illiterate politicians” to rig elections and citizens who chorus “on your mandate we stand,” even if was obvious the elections were stolen.
Mr. Obi who was speaking Tuesday in Bauchi at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, also did not have kind words for the judiciary whom he accused of subverting the law.
“I went to the Court of Appeal; five judges I had never met gave judgment in my favour. So, if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections,” Obi said.
“And above all, our judges are now singing, on your mandate we stand.
“A country where 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 blessing. We have a crisis.”
Also speaking at the event former President Olusegun Obasanjo said African democratic governance must avoid winner-takes-all politics.
“In practice, we have winner takes all, first past the post. If you beat me by one vote then you take it all and whatever I have does not matter,” he said.
The former president also expressed concern over the growing influence of money and inducements in African politics, saying the trend had increased dramatically and continued to undermine democratic values.
