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 in Abuja, she said election credibility has been undermined by entrenched political interests and poor conduct of past polls.
“Comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. Democracy as competition has been distorted through our electoral system.
“Strengthening INEC’s independence and rebuilding confidence in the electoral umpire are essential to restoring credibility,” Ezekwesili said.
She emphasised that reforms must extend beyond electoral administration to include the judiciary, whose growing role in election disputes has become “deeply troubling” and threatens democratic consolidation.
“Nigerians are concerned at 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 said.
Ezekwesili further noted that inconsistent rulings by lower courts, and at times even the Supreme Court, have eroded public confidence.
“The judiciary has assumed an outsised role in election contests, weakening credibility and forcing parties to seek court redress by default,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to pursue reforms that return power to the people and ensure that elections genuinely reflect citizens’ will.
Earlier, Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Mr Adewole Adebayo urged Nigerians to demand meaningful reforms across national life, starting with the electoral system.
“Democracy is an ongoing process. If you refuse to reform voluntarily, circumstances will deform you. Democracy is one school you never graduate from,” he said, warning against complacency.
Adebayo lauded civil society, labour unions, and social movements for persistent advocacy, in spite challenges and discouragement.
“Democracy must be meaningful, with clean, fair, and predictable politics, where leaders are elected based on popularity and govern according to citizens’ wishes,” he said.
Highlighting governance challenges, he said some politicians focus on incumbency for personal gain, undermining democratic progress.
“Electoral reform is critical for producing capable and accountable leaders, delivering tangible benefits to citizens, and ensuring that governance serves the public interest,” Adebayo added.
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.
