Abuja: Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, warning that flaws in the electoral system have eroded public trust in institutions. Speaking at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, she said election credibility has been undermined by entrenched political interests and poor conduct of past polls.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ezekwesili emphasized that comprehensive reforms are urgently needed, as democracy has been distorted through the electoral system. She highlighted the importance of strengthening the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and rebuilding confidence in the electoral umpire to restore credibility. Reforms must extend beyond electoral administration to include the judiciary, whose growing role in election disputes threatens democratic consolidation.
Ezekwesili expressed concerns about the culture of courtroom democracy, where elections are increasingly decided in courts rather than at polling stations. Delays and contradictory rulings have created a perception that judicial decisions, not voters, determine outcomes. She noted that inconsistent rulings by lower courts, and at times even the Supreme Court, have eroded public confidence, and urged stakeholders to pursue reforms that return power to the people and ensure that elections genuinely reflect citizens’ will.
Earlier, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Mr. Adewole Adebayo urged Nigerians to demand meaningful reforms across national life, starting with the electoral system. He warned against complacency, stating that democracy is an ongoing process and emphasizing the importance of voluntary reform to prevent deformation by circumstances. Adebayo praised civil society, labor unions, and social movements for their persistent advocacy despite challenges.
Adebayo highlighted governance challenges, noting that some politicians focus on incumbency for personal gain, undermining democratic progress. He stressed that electoral reform is critical for producing capable and accountable leaders, delivering tangible benefits to citizens, and ensuring that governance serves the public interest.
The National Political Summit on Electoral Reforms 2025 is a pan-Nigerian, multi-stakeholder dialogue designed to examine urgent constitutional amendments essential for credible elections in 2027. The summit also launched a citizens-led National Movement for Credible Elections, serving as an advocacy platform to strengthen electoral integrity across Nigeria.