Former Minister of Education and public policy advocate, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lost public trust, stating that the commission has been compromised and can no longer deliver credible elections.

Ezekwesili made the remarks during a public engagement in Abuja, where she criticized what she described as systemic failures in the electoral process.

She pointed to a breakdown in transparency, failure to uphold promised reforms, and operational inefficiencies as key reasons for the growing distrust in the commission.

“INEC has been compromised. The institution no longer enjoys the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people,” she said.

The former presidential candidate referenced past election cycles where, according to her, the electoral umpire failed to meet its own standards for credibility and transparency.

She particularly cited inconsistencies in the electronic transmission of results and alleged that technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were not deployed effectively or as promised.

Ezekwesili also reiterated earlier concerns raised by her advocacy group, FixPolitics, which has consistently criticized INEC for its handling of the 2023 general elections.

In March 2023, the group accused the commission of breaching public trust by failing to transmit results in real time, a process INEC had previously assured Nigerians would ensure greater accountability.

She further warned that the loss of trust in the electoral system could lead to increased voter apathy and undermine democratic stability ahead of future elections.

INEC Responds

INEC has responded to similar criticisms in recent weeks, insisting that public engagement with the electoral process remains strong.

According to the commission, over 69,000 Nigerians completed their pre-registration on the INEC portal within seven hours of its recent relaunch, indicating that confidence in the commission remains intact.

INEC spokesman Rotimi Oyekanmi has defended the commission’s operations, stating that claims of widespread distrust are not backed by data.

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He emphasized that INEC remains committed to improving the electoral process and will continue to refine its systems ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ongoing Debate

Ezekwesili’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral institutions. Several civil society groups and election observers have called for reforms to enhance INEC’s independence, transparency, and operational effectiveness.

Key recommendations include insulating the commission from political interference, enforcing legal consequences for electoral malpractice, and improving the use of technology during elections.

As the next general elections draw closer, stakeholders continue to express concern over the capacity of INEC to deliver credible and transparent outcomes.

Ezekwesili’s latest remarks are likely to add momentum to calls for electoral reform and institutional accountability.