Former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of losing credibility, alleging that Nigeria’s democracy has been “captured” by powerful interests.
Ezekwesili made the remarks on Arise Television’s news programme on Thursday, where she argued that electoral institutions and the judiciary have become compromised, eroding citizens’ trust in governance.
“Democracy Has Been Corrupted”
According to Ezekwesili, democracy in Nigeria and across several societies is no longer functioning effectively because it has been gradually undermined.
“Democracy is being captured by the powerful in most societies where it exists. The marginalization of citizens happened gradually, as people realized that the social contract with the state was failing them,” she said.
She noted that as citizens withdraw from active political participation, state institutions become vulnerable to capture, giving the ruling elite more unchecked power.
INEC and Judiciary Under Scrutiny
Ezekwesili specifically criticized INEC and the judiciary, insisting that both institutions have lost the trust of Nigerians.
“The INEC as an electoral umpire is compromised. They don’t have the trust of society. The judiciary has also engulfed itself in political shenanigans. And so when you have this kind of complex situation, you see the massive mess we have these days,” she stated.
Call for Citizen-Centered Governance
Ezekwesili emphasized that restoring democracy requires putting citizens back at the center of governance. She added that global stakeholders are already exploring ways to rebuild systems that prioritize freedom, accountability, and civic participation.
“Freedom and citizen participation are essential for innovation and societal advancement,” she concluded.
