Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as the growing involvement of highly educated professionals in electoral malpractice and the defence of questionable political practices in Nigeria.
Obi alleged that some professors, senior lawyers and other professionals had become willing participants in efforts to manipulate elections, arguing that their expertise was being used to legitimise actions that undermine democracy.
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks while speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the challenges confronting the country’s electoral system.
According to Obi, it is particularly troubling that people who should be custodians of knowledge, justice and democratic values could allegedly assist individuals with limited understanding of governance to manipulate electoral processes.
He said the situation was made worse when legal professionals appeared in court to defend controversial actions, including allegations involving forged documents and other electoral infractions.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s democracy could not develop when elections were treated as contests to be won by any means rather than as a process through which citizens freely choose their leaders.
He called on professionals, particularly members of the academic and legal communities, to uphold integrity and protect democratic institutions instead of providing intellectual or legal cover for electoral malpractice.
The Labour Party chieftain also stressed the need for Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political actors and institutions responsible for conducting and adjudicating elections.
He argued that credible elections remained essential to addressing the country’s governance challenges, warning that continued manipulation of the electoral process would weaken public confidence in democracy.
Obi’s comments come amid renewed political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with political parties and politicians already positioning themselves for the forthcoming contests.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist attempts to undermine the electoral process, insisting that the country’s future should not be determined by electoral manipulation or the influence of powerful individuals.
The former presidential candidate has consistently advocated electoral reforms, greater transparency and stronger institutions as part of measures needed to improve governance and restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.
His latest remarks have further highlighted concerns over the role of political, legal and professional elites in shaping the country’s electoral environment.
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