The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised religious leaders for allegedly praying for politicians he described as criminals, warning that such practices reflect a deepening crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obi also faulted the judiciary and electoral system, saying both institutions had suffered declining standards.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor recalled spending three years in court challenging his election defeat, noting that five judges he had never met delivered judgments in his favour. “It cannot happen in Nigeria of today,” he lamented.
Obi further criticised the weakening of electoral safeguards, alleging that lawmakers had removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters while lawyers continued to defend cases involving
