Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being compromised, alleging that the country’s democratic process has been corrupted.

Ezekwesili made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s news programme.

According to her, democracy in Nigeria and many other societies has been captured by powerful interests, leaving citizens increasingly powerless and disengaged.

“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,” she said.

She argued that citizens’ withdrawal from active participation in governance has created room for state capture, while key institutions have lost public trust.

Specifically, Ezekwesili pointed to INEC and the judiciary as examples of institutions that have been compromised.

“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,” she stated.

The former minister stressed that stakeholders across the globe are now seeking ways to reposition citizens at the center of governance, adding that freedom and active citizen participation are critical for innovation and societal progress.