In what could be termed a scathing lampooning of the depth of corruption in Nigeria today, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party, NDC, Peter Obi, has blamed poor governance in the country on the current level of institutional decay.

Part of this decay, he said, takes place in religious circles where, according to him, “Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings,” and in the judiciary where many judges are no longer guided by the merits of cases but by material benefits.

The NDC flag bearer in the 2027 elections, made this remark on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital, where he condemned what he described as a deepening crisis owing to the almost total erosion of democratic principles in the country’s governance.

In comparison with some years ago, Obi said he spent three years in court challenging his election as Anambra State governor. He said that at the end of the legal battle, the judges he had never met previously delivered judgments in his favour.

He noted that such victory, solely based on facts of the case and not financial inducement, would be difficult to achieve in the Nigeria of today. He attributes the present situation in the country to the no holds barred corruption now witnessed in sectors of society, which were once highly revered for their moral authority.

“So, if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections, where our lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery.

“Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessings. We have a crisis. And above all, our judges are now singing on your mandate,” Obi said.

He urged Nigerians to examine the direction of the country and reject the normalisation of practices that undermine democracy. He warned of dangers ahead as their consequences, which are bastardised democratic institutions, could be inherited by future generations.

“We need to reverse this because the abuse we are allowing today will take its revenge on our children.”

Other prominent Nigerians who attended the dialogue included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the chairman of the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

The event, which centred on the question of whether political parties and the judiciary can save African democracy beyond elections, was hosted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.