Dare Babalola
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Wednesday criticised Nigeria’s political leadership and called on citizens to take responsibility for improving governance and electoral integrity.
In a post on social media, Ezekwesili faulted the quality of leadership across key institutions, including the National Assembly, the executive arm of government, and the electoral body.
She questioned what she described as a lack of commitment to public service among political actors.
“Zero fidelity to public purpose and yet citizens think anything good will ever come from the lowest and lowliest grade of political actors that sit at the National Assembly — Senate and House — and the government?” she wrote.
The former minister argued that meaningful change in governance would remain elusive unless Nigerians make a deliberate decision to demand better leadership.
According to her, “It will never change until citizens make a collective decision to change our political and public leadership quality.”
Ezekwesili also raised concerns about the credibility of the country’s electoral system, questioning the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
She suggested that individuals entrusted with managing elections may not always act in the public interest.
“If all were well with Nigeria, would it be ‘professors’ who are willing tools to subvert the public good that will be hired to run INEC?” she queried.
Referencing a previous engagement, Ezekwesili disclosed that she had directly challenged the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, over the credibility of elections.
“In March, I told Amupitan to his face at the Town Hall meeting in Abuja that we don’t believe anything he promises about conducting credible elections,” she said.
She further urged Nigerians to reflect on their role in shaping the country’s future, emphasising the need for civic responsibility. “Take responsibility as a citizen and ask yourself this question and then answer it,” she stated.
Ezekwesili warned that continued inaction by citizens could embolden what she described as leaders undermining national progress.
She added, “When Nigerians are finally ready, we will collectively stand against the daily rubbish that these predators who are eroding anything of value now serially commit against our country and people.”
Her comments come amid ongoing public debate over governance, economic conditions and the credibility of elections in Nigeria, with increasing calls for reforms across political and electoral institutions.
