The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has said in Bauchi on Tuesday that Nigerian judges now rule to protect political interests instead of following the law. He warned that this puts the country’s democracy in danger and could harm future generations.
Obi made the claim while speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue. The event was themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”
Judges compared to the past
Obi backed his claim with his own court case as former Anambra State governor. He said he spent three years in court fighting to keep his seat, and judges who had never met him ruled in his favour.
“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,” he said.
He said the same thing happened at the Court of Appeal, where a different panel of five judges also ruled for him, even though they had no personal ties to him.
Obi then compared that period to what he called the present state of the courts.
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“And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate,” he said.
He gave other examples of what he sees as a breakdown in the system. He said some professors now help people who cannot read or write to rig elections.
He also said lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in election matters, and some Senior Advocates of Nigeria defend forgery cases in court.
“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.
He also criticised religious leaders, saying some of them pray for politicians he called criminals.
“Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings. We have a crisis,” he said.
A warning for the future
Obi asked Nigerians to look past political parties and single politicians. He said they should instead examine how the institutions meant to protect democracy are being weakened from within.
He warned that bad practices allowed today could become permanent and place a heavy load on younger Nigerians in years to come.
“We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children,” he said.
The dialogue was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo also attended. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the event, which brought political leaders and representatives from Nigeria and other countries.
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