Grace Adeleke
Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has alleged that some university professors are now being used to manipulate elections in Nigeria.
Obi made the allegation on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he expressed concern over what he described as the steady erosion of democratic values and institutions in the country.
The former governor said the decline in electoral integrity had reached a point where academics, lawyers, religious leaders and even judicial officers were allegedly contributing to practices capable of undermining democracy.
Obi recalled his prolonged legal battle challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, saying the experience exposed what he considered serious contradictions in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.
He said, “Nigerian professors now aid election rigging in Nigeria. I was in court for three years challenging my election; five judges I never met gave judgment in my favour. It cannot happen in Nigeria of today.”
Obi further alleged that university professors were helping people he described as “illiterates” to manipulate elections, while lawmakers had removed forgery from the list of electoral offences.
He also criticised the legal profession, alleging that senior lawyers were defending cases involving forgery.
The former governor expressed concern about what he described as a broader collapse of values across major institutions, including religious bodies.
According to him, some religious leaders now pray for politicians accused of criminal conduct instead of demanding accountability from public office holders.
“Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings. And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate,” Obi said.
He warned that the consequences of weakening democratic institutions would not be limited to the present generation, stressing that Nigerians had a responsibility to protect the country’s future.
Obi urged citizens to confront practices that undermine elections, accountability and the rule of law, saying the failure to address the problems would impose a heavy burden on future generations.
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