Professors now aiding illiterates to rig elections — Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has criticized the state of Nigeria's electoral and judicial institutions, accusing professors of aiding electoral malpractice. During the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obi contrasted his experience winning an election in court with the current deterioration of the country's institutions.

He mentioned a case where five judges he had never met gave judgment in his favor, but contrasted this with the situation where professors are now allegedly helping illiterate individuals to rig elections. Obi also pointed out that lawmakers have removed the offence of forgery in electoral matters and that senior lawyers are defending such activities.

Furthermore, he accused religious leaders of praying for criminal politicians to be blessed. The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the political alignment of some judges, saying they now recite "On your mandate we stand," as a sign of a broader institutional crisis that needs to be addressed.