Ezekwesili Warns of Nigeria's Deteriorating Democracy

Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister, expressed grave concerns about Nigeria's democratic decline, stating that democracy does not belong to politicians but to citizens. She noted that the country has seen a steady deterioration in its democratic system since 1999, with citizens increasingly losing confidence in electoral institutions.

Ezekwesili highlighted the alarming voter turnout of just 23 percent in the 2003 presidential elections, which is below Africa's average, attributing this to institutional failures, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies. She warned that the abuse of state power against dissent poses a significant threat ahead of the 2027 elections.

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, echoed these concerns, specifically addressing flaws in voter registration that could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly in the South East. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized the importance of credible elections for national security, citing recent insecurity issues in Oyo State.