Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has raised concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary have been compromised and no longer command public trust.
News360 Info reports that Ezekwesili, while speaking on Arise Television’s news programme on Thursday, said democracy is no longer functioning effectively because it has been corrupted over time, leaving citizens powerless and disengaged.
According to Ezekwesili, democracy is being captured by powerful interests, stressing that citizens have become marginalised in the democratic process.
She emphasised that the withdrawal of citizens from active participation has created room for state capture, while institutions meant to regulate the process have themselves been involved in political shenanigans.
She said, “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.
“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.”
Ezekwesili added that stakeholders globally are now exploring ways to place citizens back at the centre of governance, noting that freedom and citizen participation are essential for innovation and societal advancement.
