Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Presidential candidate Peter Obi has delivered a blistering critique of Nigeria's religious, judicial and academic establishments, accusing religious leaders of praying for "criminal politicians" and warning that the country's democratic institutions are in a state of deep crisis. Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2027 election said the development was among signs that Nigeria was facing a systemic collapse. "Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings. We have a crisis," Obi declared, according to multiple media reports.
The former Anambra State governor did not stop at religious leaders. He extended his criticism to the judiciary and the electoral system, lamenting what he described as declining standards in the country's institutions. "Our senior advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery. Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessing," Obi said. "And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate." The remarks were made at the dialogue themed "Beyond elections, can political parties and the judiciary save African democracy?" and chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, with former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo in attendance.
Obi drew a sharp contrast between his own experience with the judiciary and what he sees as its current state. He recalled spending three years in court challenging his election as governor of Anambra State, noting that five justices he had never met delivered judgments 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 also recalled that at the Court of Appeal, five judges he had never met ruled in his favour. "I just said, where could you get that type of judgement in Nigeria today? It's impossible," he added.
The NDC presidential candidate also took aim at the role of academics in electoral malpractice. "Professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections," Obi said, accusing university lecturers of lending their expertise to manipulate the electoral process. He further criticised lawmakers for removing forgery as an offence in electoral matters, a move he described as a dangerous erosion of electoral safeguards. "Where our lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matter," he said, questioning the implications for the credibility of elections and the country's democratic institutions.
Obi's comments come at a time of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections. His criticisms of religious leaders, judges and professors reflect a broader concern about the normalisation of wrongdoing in Nigeria's public life. "We have a crisis," he repeated, warning that the consequences of current abuses would eventually affect future generations. "We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children," he said.
The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, which brought together constitutional experts and civil society representatives from across Africa, provided a platform for Obi to articulate his vision for democratic renewal. He urged Nigerians to critically examine the direction of the country and resist the normalisation of practices that weaken democratic institutions. "I urge all of us, unexamined life is not worth living. It is time for every Nigerian to sit down and ask ourselves, where is our nation going?" he said.
The event was hosted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and also featured former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo. Obi's remarks have sparked widespread debate across social media and political circles, with supporters applauding his willingness to speak truth to power and critics questioning whether his criticisms are politically motivated.
For Obi, the message was clear: Nigeria's democratic institutions are in crisis, and religious leaders, judges and professors all bear responsibility for the erosion of democratic values. "Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings," he said. "We have a crisis. And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate." The question now is whether his words will serve as a catalyst for reform or be dismissed as the rhetoric of an opposition politician positioning himself for 2027.
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