Nigeria is a ‘Fantastically Corrupt, Disgraced Nation,’ – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sharply criticised the Nigerian Senate over its decision not to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory.

He described the action as another sign that Nigeria is drifting away from democratic accountability.

In a statement released on Friday, Obi said the development confirms why the country continues to be viewed globally as corrupt and poorly governed.

He accused lawmakers of deliberately weakening the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi said his response came after observing a short period of mourning for victims of a recent tragedy in Kwara State, where more than 150 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives.

“Let us first pray for the souls of the innocent Nigerians lost in Kwara. That painful incident is why I delayed responding to the shameful development surrounding our electoral system,” he wrote.

He described the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission as intentional and dangerous.

“The Senate’s open rejection of electronic transmission of results is an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation ahead of 2027,” Obi stated.

According to him, the refusal to adopt technology-based safeguards is not a minor legislative issue but a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“This failure to pass a clear safeguard is a direct attack on our democracy. By refusing these transparency measures, the foundation of credible elections is being destroyed. One must ask whether government exists to ensure justice and order or to deliberately create chaos for the benefit of a few.”

The former Anambra State governor linked the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections to the absence of full electronic transmission of results.

He said Nigerians were misled with claims that technical problems caused the failures recorded during the polls.

“The confusion, disputes and manipulation that followed the 2023 elections were largely due to the refusal to fully implement electronic transmission,” he said.

Obi insisted that the widely reported system malfunction did not genuinely occur, but was used as an excuse to justify irregularities.

He also compared Nigeria’s electoral system with those of other African countries that now rely on technology to improve transparency.

“Many African nations now use electronic transmission to strengthen their democracy. Yet Nigeria, which calls itself the giant of Africa, is moving backwards and dragging the continent along.”

Obi blamed the political elite for resisting reforms that could strengthen institutions and restore public trust.

He said Nigeria’s challenges persist not because of a lack of ideas, but because of a refusal by leaders to implement meaningful change.

“We keep organising conferences and writing policy papers about Nigeria’s challenges. But the truth is that the leaders and elite are the real problem. Our refusal to change is pushing the nation backwards into a primitive system of governance.”

He warned that the Senate’s decision could create confusion and instability that would benefit only a small group of powerful interests.

Obi also recalled comments previously made by foreign leaders about Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

“When a former UK Prime Minister described Nigeria as ‘fantastically corrupt,’ we were offended. When former US President Donald Trump called us a ‘disgraced nation,’ we were angry. But our continued resistance to transparency keeps proving them right.”

The former presidential candidate cautioned Nigerians against accepting a repeat of the problems recorded during the last general election.

“Let there be no mistake. The criminality seen in 2023 must not be tolerated in 2027.”

He urged citizens to prepare to defend democracy through lawful and decisive actions, while calling on the international community to monitor Nigeria’s electoral process closely.

“The international community must pay attention to the groundwork being laid for future electoral manipulation, which threatens our democracy and development,” Obi said.

He ended his statement with a message of hope, stressing that change remains possible if Nigerians act collectively.

“A new Nigeria is possible but only if we all rise and fight for it.”