LP presidential candidate Peter Obi asserts that Nigeria's judiciary, not INEC, poses the greatest threat to democracy. Speaking at a memorial event, Obi highlights concerns over justice commodification and calls for judicial reform to protect the rule of law and ensure fairness in Nigeria's democratic processes.
Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, delivered a keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at the Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.
During his address, Obi boldly asserted that the judiciary, rather than the electoral umpire, poses the most significant threat to Nigeria's democracy. He lamented the decline in Nigeria's judicial system, highlighting how justice has become "commodified" and "goes to the highest bidder."
Obi stressed the urgent need to revitalize the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding its independence and promoting values of character, competence, and integrity among jurists and political leaders. Reflecting on the consequences of compromised rule of law, Obi underscored its detrimental impact on society, particularly on the most vulnerable members.
Despite his concerns, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election, followed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi. Both Obi and Abubakar contested Tinubu's victory, challenging the election results up to the Supreme Court. Obi's remarks shed light on pressing issues within Nigeria's democratic framework and call for urgent action to fortify the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
