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Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has raised concerns over what she described as the capture of democracy by powerful interests, warning that citizens have become marginalized in the democratic process.
Speaking on Arise Television’s news programme on Thursday, Ezekwesili said democracy is no longer functioning effectively because it has been corrupted over time, leaving citizens powerless and disengaged.
“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.
According to her, the withdrawal of citizens from active participation has created room for state capture, while institutions meant to regulate the process have also been compromised.
Read Also: Nigerians Must Know Candidates For INEC Chair – SERAP Insists
She pointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the judiciary as examples of institutions that no longer command public trust.
“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.
Ezekwesili added that stakeholders globally are now exploring ways to place citizens back at the center of governance, noting that freedom and citizen participation are essential for innovation and societal advancement.
In other news, The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to make public the details of the process for appointing the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated September 27 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said Nigerians deserve to know the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted, as constitutionally required.
“The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be a closed shop,” SERAP stated.
