Peter Obi raises concern over declining democratic standards in Nigeria

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed worry over the gradual deterioration of democratic values and institutions within Nigeria. During the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State, Obi highlighted his own legal battle from the 2003 Anambra State governorship election, where he spent three years in court before ultimately winning through judicial decisions.

He emphasized the independence and integrity of the judiciary at that time and contrasted it with the current state of affairs in Nigeria. Obi lamented the perceived decline in democratic principles and accused certain groups, including academics, legal practitioners, lawmakers, and religious leaders, of contributing to the weakening of the country's electoral and governance systems.

He urged Nigerians to critically assess the condition of democratic institutions and resist actions that could compromise the integrity of elections and public confidence in governance. "We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children," he warned. The dialogue, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, focused on the theme 'Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?' and featured discussions on the roles of political parties, the judiciary, and other democratic institutions in bolstering governance across Africa.