Professors now aid illiterates to rig elections in Nigeria – Peter Obi

Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the involvement of university professors in election rigging within his nation. While addressing the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obi lamented the deterioration of democratic ideals in Nigeria. He was displeased to learn that professors are now aiding "illiterates" in the fraudulent process of election manipulation.

Obi recounted his three-year legal battle to challenge his own election, noting that a court of five judges he never met unanimously ruled in his favor. He also mentioned that in the Court of Appeal, once again, five unseen judges sided with him. Obi questioned how such a scenario could occur in the current Nigerian political climate.

In addition to the high-profile election manipulation, Obi highlighted other troubling developments in Nigeria. He pointed out that the removal of forgery as an electoral offense by lawmakers has emboldened criminals. Furthermore, he criticized senior legal professionals who are now defending election fraud. Obi also expressed concern over religious leaders who are allegedly praying for deceitful politicians, while the judiciary appears complicit as well, with judges reportedly supporting the elected officials.

The presidential hopeful emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a "crisis" that has reached concerning levels. He concluded by stating that Nigeria's judges are now "singing on your mandate," implying that the judiciary is complicit in the alleged election rigging.