The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the January 2027 election, Peter Obi, has criticised the judiciary, university professors and senior lawyers over their roles in Nigeria’s electoral process. Obi spoke in a goodwill message at a democracy dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Bauchi State. The dialogue, themed “Beyond Election,” examined Nigeria’s democratic development and the need for reforms that go beyond the conduct of periodic elections. The former governor’s remarks came amid wider discussions at the democracy dialogue on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restore public confidence in the electoral process. The event focused on the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and the need for institutional reforms capable of ensuring credible elections, accountability and good governance beyond election periods.