Professors now aiding illiterates to rig election — Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has lampooned some professors for aiding rigging during the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, appoints university vice-chancellors and lecturers to serve as returning officers for governorship and presidential elections.

In many instances the election results are disputed, with claims of rigging, manipulation and intimidation resulting in litigation.

Speaking during the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Mr Obi also criticised judges for alleged bias and members of the National Assembly for removing forgery as an electoral offence.

“I went to the Court of Appeal; five judges I had never met gave judgement in my favour. So, if you look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections,” Mr Obi said.

He added, “Where 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 blessing. We have a crisis.”

According to him, some judges have become politically aligned to the ruling party.

“And above all, our judges are now singing, On your mandate we stand,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor said the developments were a sign of a wider institutional crisis that needed to be reversed.