Professors now aid illiterates to rig elections in Nigeria – Peter Obi
Peter Obi Raises Concerns Over University Professors’ Role in Election Rigging
BAUCHI, Nigeria — Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027, has criticized the involvement of university professors in electoral malpractices, highlighting what he sees as a decline in democratic values in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, Obi expressed dismay over the apparent collaboration between academics and those he termed “illiterates” in manipulating election processes.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, shared his personal experience in the legal system, referencing a protracted three-year court battle to challenge the outcome of his election. “Five judges that I never met for one day gave judgment in my favor,” he said, questioning the integrity of current judicial proceedings. “It cannot happen in Nigeria today.”
He further pointed to troubling trends in the country, including changes to electoral laws that he claims have diluted accountability. “Our lawmakers have removed forgery as an offense in electoral matters, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery,” he remarked.
Additionally, Obi highlighted the role of religious leaders, who, according to him, are offering prayers for politicians involved in corrupt practices. “We have a crisis,” he stated, emphasizing the need for urgent reform within the electoral and judicial systems.
Obi’s comments add to a growing discourse on the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes as the nation approaches the upcoming elections.
