By Augustine Akhilomen

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, on Wednesday criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, calling on citizens to take greater responsibility for improving governance and electoral integrity.

In a post on social media, Ezekwesili questioned the quality of leadership across key institutions, including the National Assembly of Nigeria, the executive arm of government, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

She expressed concern over 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 governance reforms would remain out of reach unless Nigerians make a deliberate effort to demand higher standards of leadership.

“It will never change until citizens make a collective decision to change our political and public leadership quality,” she stated.

Ezekwesili also raised concerns about the credibility of the country’s electoral system, questioning the role of INEC and suggesting that some individuals entrusted with overseeing elections may not 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, she disclosed that she had directly challenged INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, over election credibility.

“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, stressing the importance of civic responsibility.

“Take responsibility as a citizen and ask yourself this question and then answer it,” she said.

Ezekwesili warned that continued inaction by citizens could embolden leaders she accused of undermining national progress.

“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,” she added.

Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate over governance, economic conditions, and electoral credibility in Nigeria, with increasing calls for reforms across political and electoral institutions.

A Professor of Strategy and Development, Anthony Kila, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider the consequences of its decision to delist the Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kila made this call during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.

“I think that when INEC decides to remove the name of the chairman and secretary of the opposition party, they should think of what the consequences will be.

“You cannot say technically you are right and you don’t care about the practical consequences; that’s not commonsensical, and I mean common sense here, not the way people mean it.”

According to him, it is about making a judgment or decision that aligns with reality and takes into account the likely consequences.

His comment follows INEC’s declaration that it will no longer recognise correspondences from either the David Mark or Rafiu Bala faction of the ADC, following its review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

He, however, said he thinks INEC is not doing that and, whichever the cause, either accidental or intentional, ‘INEC is not doing well.’

Speaking further on the breakfast show, Kila analysed more flaws of INEC.

“The other thing that needs to be said is INEC—I think so far, so bad. The way INEC is conducting the issue: one is structural, the other is contingent. One has to do with the INEC of today, the way it’s being managed.

“I have always said that a lot of the problems we have in this country is that when we do things, we look at consequences, not sequence. There is a problem of approach and process to the way INEC does things.”

He noted that INEC should not just be an announcer, but a body that consults, considers, and mediates before choosing dates.

“They should get political parties inside and decide it together, I believe,” he added.

He cited that electoral bodies in other parts of the world are invisible.
“Other countries in the world, especially countries we emulate, the INEC leader is so invisible; INEC itself is not talked about. It’s as if they are not there—they are so efficient that they become invisible, like the air you breathe.

“Nobody talks about them unless there is trouble. If you talk about INEC in those countries, it means there is something bad going on. We need to aspire to that,” Kila stated.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, the commission said that it will no longer engage with either faction or monitor their meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of the case before the Federal High Court.

The commission further announced that it would remove the name of David Mark from the INEC portal.

Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, says he will abide by President Bola Tinubu’s decision on the 2027 Lagos governorship race.

Adediran, Lead Visioner of Lagos4Lagos Movement, spoke on Wednesday at a meeting endorsing Tinubu’s re-election and himself as preferred APC governorship candidate.

He urged loyalists to align with party leadership, stressing that APC candidates would emerge through direct primaries.

Recalling his return from PDP before the 2023 election, Adediran said he remained loyal to any directive from the President.

“He invited me through his Chief of Staff. If he says I will be governor, I will accept.

“We belong to Jagaban because he brought me back. Whatever he says is what we will do.

“What is clear is that we will have a direct primary, as stated by the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi,” he said.

Adediran urged supporters to remain hopeful in spite of speculation about an ‘anointed’ candidate, noting that all APC aspirants were qualified.

He said: “We pray God guides our leader to decide what is best for Lagos at this time.

“What we need are votes across Lagos, the South-West and the South. Whoever can deliver these should emerge as flagbearer.”

He stressed the role of youths, saying they possess the energy to mobilise voters across the state.

“It is not child’s play. What we seek in 2027 is a seamless victory,” he added.

Adediran urged members to work tirelessly for Tinubu’s re-election, warning against complacency.

“We cannot joke with 2027. We must work selflessly and put our best foot forward when choosing candidates,” he said.

He emphasised grassroots consultation, noting that candidate selection rests with party members.

“Consultations must begin from units, wards and zones. Engage members daily and promote Jandor as preferred candidate,” he said.

Alhaji Hakeem Amode, an APC chieftain, said Tinubu deserved re-election due to economic reforms and fiscal improvements.

“Before Tinubu, about 27 states borrowed to pay salaries. Today, states receive more from the federation account.

“Our debt-to-revenue ratio has dropped below 60 per cent from 97 per cent. Student loans are now available.

“There are over 440 road projects and efforts towards local government autonomy. We must work relentlessly for his re-election,” he said.

Amode said regional development commissions and plans for state police would further strengthen governance and security.

Chief Ola Apena, another APC chieftain, described Adediran as a bridge between young and older voters.

“Young people are agitating. This is the time to involve them by presenting one of them.

“Jandor connects with youths, who form about 70 per cent of voters, and has strong grassroots support across 377 wards,” he said.

Apena noted that Adediran hails from Lagos West and Badagry Division, which has not produced a governor.

“Badagry has significant population and deserves representation,” he added.

He said Adediran’s previous campaign built name recognition and positioned him as a fresh option among youths.

“He understands Lagos and offers youthful strength and competence,” Apena said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders endorsed Tinubu’s re-election and Adediran’s governorship ambition at the meeting. (NAN)