The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over what he described as the steady erosion of democratic principles and institutions in Nigeria.

Obi spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital, where he assessed the state of democracy and governance in the country.

The former Anambra State governor recalled his three-year legal battle challenging his election, saying judges he had never met personally delivered judgments in his favour.

He noted that such an experience would be difficult to witness in Nigeria under the present circumstances.

“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,” Obi said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing compromise of institutions and individuals expected to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“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.

“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 said.

Obi urged Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and question the effectiveness of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.

He called on citizens to reject the normalisation of practices capable of undermining democratic values, warning that the consequences could extend to future generations.

“We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children,” Obi said.

The 2026 GJF Democracy Dialogue was anchored on the theme: “Beyond Elections, Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and attended by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed hosted the gathering, which also attracted constitutional experts, political stakeholders and civil society representatives from across the continent.