Introduction to Electoral Reforms in Nigeria
Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, warning that flaws in the electoral system have eroded public trust in institutions. Speaking at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025 in Abuja, she said election credibility has been undermined by entrenched political interests and poor conduct of past polls.
The Need for Comprehensive Reforms
“Comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. Democracy as competition has been distorted through our electoral system. Strengthening INEC’s independence and rebuilding confidence in the electoral umpire are essential to restoring credibility,” Ezekwesili said. She emphasised that reforms must extend beyond electoral administration to include the judiciary, whose growing role in election disputes has become “deeply troubling” and threatens democratic consolidation.
The Role of the Judiciary in Electoral Disputes
Nigerians are concerned at the culture of courtroom democracy, where elections are increasingly decided in courts rather than at polling stations. Delays and contradictory rulings have created a perception that judicial decisions, not voters, determine outcomes, “ she said. Ezekwesili further noted that inconsistent rulings by lower courts, and at times even the Supreme Court, have eroded public confidence. “The judiciary has assumed an outsized role in election contests, weakening credibility and forcing parties to seek court redress by default,” she said.
Pursuing Meaningful Reforms
She urged stakeholders to pursue reforms that return power to the people and ensure that elections genuinely reflect citizens’ will. Earlier, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Mr Adewole Adebayo urged Nigerians to demand meaningful reforms across national life, starting with the electoral system. “Democracy is an ongoing process. If you refuse to reform voluntarily, circumstances will deform you. Democracy is one school you never graduate from,” he said, warning against complacency.
The Importance of Civil Society and Labour Unions
Adebayo lauded civil society, labour unions, and social movements for persistent advocacy, in spite challenges and discouragement. “Democracy must be meaningful, with clean, fair, and predictable politics, where leaders are elected based on popularity and govern according to citizens’ wishes,” he said. Highlighting governance challenges, he said some politicians focus on incumbency for personal gain, undermining democratic progress.
Conclusion
The National Political Summit on Electoral Reforms 2025 is a pan-Nigerian, multi-stakeholder dialogue designed to examine urgent constitutional amendments essential for credible elections in 2027. The summit also launched a citizens-led National Movement for Credible Elections, serving as an advocacy platform to strengthen electoral integrity across Nigeria. Electoral reform is critical for producing capable and accountable leaders, delivering tangible benefits to citizens, and ensuring that governance serves the public interest.
FAQs
Q: What is the main issue with Nigeria’s electoral system?
A: The main issue is the erosion of public trust in institutions due to flaws in the electoral system, which has been undermined by entrenched political interests and poor conduct of past polls.
Q: What is the role of the judiciary in electoral disputes?
A: The judiciary has assumed an outsized role in election contests, weakening credibility and forcing parties to seek court redress by default.
Q: What is the National Movement for Credible Elections?
A: It is a citizens-led movement serving as an advocacy platform to strengthen electoral integrity across Nigeria.
Q: What is the goal of the National Political Summit on Electoral Reforms 2025?
A: The goal is to examine urgent constitutional amendments essential for credible elections in 2027.
