Former Minister of Education and economic policy advocate Oby Ezekwesili has issued a stark warning to Nigerian senators, asserting they are 'playing with fire' by keeping what she refers to as perilous uncertainties in the amended Electoral Act. She emphasized that there is a strong demand among Nigerians for real-time electronic uploads of election results at polling stations.
During an interview on ARISE News, Ezekwesili responded to the Senate's recent passage of a bill amending the Electoral Act, which followed extensive discussion and contention regarding the rules surrounding electronic result transmission and the powers granted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ezekwesili contended that the Senate's choice to retain Section 60, subsection 5 of the 2022 Electoral Act has already led to a decline in public trust in the electoral system.
“There is a core problem: the Senate has kept the INEC Act’s Section 60, subsection 5, notorious for the loophole it created that has made it difficult for citizens to trust INEC,” she stated.
She recalled that prior to the 2023 general elections, assurances were given to voters, especially the youth, that their expectations would be met. However, she claimed these promises were not fulfilled.
“The former INEC chairman repeatedly assured especially young voters that they would be able to seamlessly use online transmission to relay results to the INEC results viewing portal,” she noted.
According to Ezekwesili, the failure to transmit results electronically has fostered significant doubt and resulted in legal outcomes that detract from transparency.
“Once they failed to do this, it gave rise to distrust regarding events at polling units nationwide,” she asserted. “This served as the basis for judicial decisions indicating that the law does not require the INEC to upload results at all polling stations.”
Ezekwesili remarked that citizens viewed the amendment process to the Electoral Act as a chance to address loopholes and reinstate their faith in Nigeria's democratic process.
“Citizens seized the opportunity to reform the INEC Act,” she stated. “They believed it critical to eliminate ambiguities and discretion regarding issues central to transparency, integrity, credibility, and ultimately the legitimacy of democracy.”
She affirmed that Nigerians have valid reasons for expressing discontent over the Senate’s actions.
“Given that the Senate approached this matter as if it were a 'let sleeping dogs lie' situation when that was not the intention, citizens are justified in their outrage,” she remarked.
Ezekwesili underscored the importance of lawful channels for citizen engagement in democracy and cautioned against further alienation of the electorate.
“We know that citizens cherish democracy because it is the only political system where they confer legitimacy to public leadership,” she stated. “That’s why we emphasize that the highest office in the land is that of the citizen.”
The former minister depicted the experience of the 2023 elections as detrimental to public confidence.
“When citizens, who are fundamental to our democratic structure, comment that their experience during the 2023 elections was dismal and has eroded their confidence, it’s a serious concern,” she explained.
Ezekwesili highlighted possible lawful actions citizens could take, such as continuous engagement with their representatives and demanding public hearings.
“The paths are clear,” she said. “The citizens are vocal and assertive in stating that this is not what they anticipated.”
She warned that a disconnect from democracy should be alarming for those in authority.
“When citizens start to distance themselves from democracy, it should raise concerns for those wielding power,” she cautioned.
On the topic of incitement, Ezekwesili pointed out that low voter turnout reflects deep-rooted frustration within the populace.
“Look at our current president; do you realize that less than 35% of registered voters participated in the election?” she observed. “That indicates a significant disengagement.”
She criticized lawmakers for making matters worse.
“Are lawmakers exacerbating apathy?” she questioned. “They bear a responsibility to the citizens.”
Ezekwesili clarified that her warning to the Senate stemmed from a genuine concern for the country’s future.
“This is why I urged them to stop playing with fire,” she remarked. “It often seems as though the political class, especially the Senate, wakes up daily asking, ‘What can we do today to irritate Nigerians?’”
She dismissed claims that the demand for accountability equated to incitement.
“Nigerian democracy is founded on the people,” she asserted. “It doesn’t belong to political elites.”
The former minister urged the Senate to promptly amend their stance and implement a clear mandate for electronic results transmission.
“I have proposed that the Senate should immediately end their two-week recess and reconvene to ensure they pass a bill that aligns with the intended provisions,” she urged.
She read aloud the suggested clause, emphasizing that it should not leave room for interpretation.
“The presiding officer must electronically send the results from each polling unit to the INEC results viewing portal, IREV, in real time,” she noted, stating that this should occur only after the results have been signed and stamped.
In conclusion, Ezekwesili called on lawmakers to act promptly and effectively.
“Senators are well aware of how to resolve this situation,” she said. “They should take action. After all, fire poses a danger, and transparency is crucial.”
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