Professors aid illiterates to win elections, Nigerians must take stance on direction of democracy in 2027 – Peter Obi
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has declared that now is the time for Nigerians to take a stance and determine where the country is headed to democratically.
Peter Obi made the declaration on Tuesday in a goodwill remarks at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre (ICC), Bauchi.
He said that Nigerians must begin to ask critical questions about the direction of the country and work collectively to reverse the negative trends affecting the nation.
The NDC Presidential candidate stressed that a definite stance is very necessary and important in ensuring that the 2027 general elections was conducted in a more democratic manner which results will be accepted by all stakeholders.
Speaking on the theme of the Dialogue: Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy”, Peter Obi expressed dismay over the negative roles of the judiciary in the practice of democracy in Nigeria of today.
According to him, “In the past, the judiciary played positive roles in enshrining democracratic leadership in Nigeria unlike today.”
He said, “This is a former Justice of the Supreme Court seated here, I had never met her in my life until after she wrote the judgment that made me the Governor of Anambra State. She did that without having to know me.”
He added, “Before that, a 3-man panel of Judges of the Appeal Court sat to determine my case without having recourse to whom I waa, it was done purely on merit of the case.”
Peter Obi stressed, “That is supposed to be the role of the judiciary in a democratic society, delivering judgment based on merit of the facts available.”
“That cannot happen in today’s judiciary, a Professor will seat and write the results and allow the judiciary to take decision of what they want, that suits them,” he added.
He lamented that, “What we have today is Judges singing (“Mr President, on your mandate we shall stand”). That is not what the judiciary supposed to be in a true democracy.
He said, “Therefore, I call on the people of Nigeria, it is time for every Nigerian, to sit down, and find ourselves, where this nation is going. We need good leaders, because there are people among us today, who remain adamant and do not want a good country for our children.”
Peter Obi then commended former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his consistency in organizing the dialogue which he said is what is needed in order to reshape democracy and ensure that the judiciary played its role of neutrality.
Peter Obi, also called on Nigerians to reject the culture of bad governance, injustice and political manipulation, warning that the consequences of decisions being taken today could affect future generations.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to become a better and more prosperous country if citizens unite and demand accountability from those entrusted with political leadership.
He lamented what he described as the increasing erosion of democratic values and the failure of political leaders to prioritise the interests and welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Peter Obi said the country must move away from a system where political power is used to advance personal interests rather than serve the people.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process, stressing that citizens must understand what is happening in the country and hold leaders accountable through elections and other constitutional means.
The former Governor expressed concern over the challenges confronting Nigeria, including insecurity, economic hardship, poverty and declining public confidence in government institutions.
He called on political leaders and citizens to put aside personal interests and work towards rebuilding the country.
Peter Obi stressed the need for Nigeria to urgently reverse its present course, saying decisions being taken today would ultimately determine the kind of country future generations would inherit.
He said that, “Nigerian professors now aid election rigging in Nigeria. I was in court for three years challenging my election, five judges that I never met for one day gave judgment in my favour, it cannot happen in Nigeria of today. I went to the Court of Appeal, five judges I never met gave judgment in my favour.”
According to him, “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.”
The NDC Presidential candidate added that, “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 therefore called for renewed commitment to democracy, good governance, justice, accountability and national development, urging Nigerians to act now to secure a better future for their children.
The dialogue brought together political leaders, policymakers, jurists, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on the state of democracy in Africa.
