Former Minister of Education and convener of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is experiencing a dangerous decline, stressing that citizens must take responsibility for protecting it.
Speaking on Monday during the Movement’s Emergency Stakeholders Engagement in Abuja, Ezekwesili stated that the 2023 general elections revealed a serious crisis of legitimacy, pointing to what she described as extremely low voter turnout.
She noted that only about 23 percent of registered voters participated in the presidential election that produced the current administration, arguing that the figure is significantly below both African and global democratic averages.
“As a matter of fact, by 2023 when only 23% of registered voters participated in the presidential election, it was very clear that we had departed from even the low African average of about 47%,” she said. “We are less than a third of voter participation globally.”
Ezekwesili linked the decline in participation to growing distrust in institutions responsible for conducting elections, warning that Nigeria’s democratic system is “edging toward collapse” based on global indicators of democratic health.
She also expressed concern over what she described as the increasing misuse of state power against dissenting voices, including political opponents and citizens who criticise government actions.
“One major crisis is the increasing use of state power against dissenting voices,” she said. “Whether political or civic, repeated cases of intimidation and harassment are deeply troubling.”
According to her, such developments threaten the very foundation of democracy, which depends on citizens being able to express themselves and participate freely without fear of repression.
She further warned that rising fear ahead of the 2027 elections could discourage civic participation and deepen public apathy.
Ezekwesili criticised what she described as a culture of individualism among citizens, arguing that many Nigerians only react when governance failures affect them personally.
“There is a tendency for people to say, ‘Nigeria has happened to me,’ only when it personally affects them,” she said, adding that this absence of collective responsibility has weakened national accountability.
She told participants that the gathering was aimed at building citizen solidarity to prevent democratic collapse, emphasising that democracy belongs to the people, not politicians.
“This is citizens’ work,” she said. “We are here because we must save our country. If we don’t care about ourselves, at least care for our children.”
Ezekwesili further argued that Nigeria’s political system has been captured by a class of politicians who prioritise power over governance, regardless of party affiliation.
According to her, repeated governance failures across different administrations show that the country’s major challenge is not political parties, but what she described as a “political class failure.”
She stated that credible democracy depends on transparent elections, fair competition, and public trust in institutions such as the electoral commission, judiciary, and security agencies.
However, she alleged that these institutions have been weakened by political interference, inconsistent rulings, and the alleged misuse of security forces during political processes.
Ezekwesili also referred to long-standing calls for electoral reforms, particularly concerning the electronic transmission of results, insisting that citizens have repeatedly demanded greater transparency in the electoral process.
She maintained that resistance to reform reflects a broader unwillingness by the political class to strengthen democratic accountability.
The former minister also highlighted the activities of the Movement for Credible Elections, including advocacy campaigns and nationwide protests such as the “Occupy National Assembly” movement, during which participants were allegedly dispersed with tear gas.
She urged Nigerians to move beyond dialogue and take collective action in demanding accountability and electoral integrity.
Ezekwesili concluded by reaffirming that democracy cannot be monopolised by politicians.
“Democracy does not belong to politicians,” she said. “Democracy belongs to the citizens of every country that chooses to be democratic.”
The forum was attended by various presidential candidates from political parties, as well as organisations such as NAWOJ, women groups, and other stakeholders, who lent their voices against what they described as the ongoing political decline in the country as the 2027 general elections approach.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Obidient Movement leader Yunusa Tanko, also raised concerns over the ongoing voter registration exercise, alleging that many eligible voters, particularly in the South-East, could be disenfranchised.
Obi called for urgent electoral reforms and stronger citizen participation to protect the credibility of future elections.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented at the event, said credible elections remain vital to national security and stability, warning that a loss of public confidence in democracy could trigger unrest and violence.
Meanwhile, Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of attempting to dominate political institutions and weaken opposition parties through intimidation and state influence.
African Action Congress leader, Omoyele Sowore, also criticised Nigeria’s political system, describing it as one controlled by entrenched elites determined to retain power at all costs.
The speakers collectively called for stronger civic engagement, institutional reforms, and increased public resistance against actions they said threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
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