Senate risking Nigeria’s democracy — Ezekwesili speaks on electoral bill controversy
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised the Senate over its handling of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, warning that the legislature’s actions could deepen public discontent and weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Ezekwesili made the remarks on Friday during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise Television, days after the Senate passed the amended electoral bill following extensive deliberations.
While lawmakers approved revisions relating to election timelines, penalties for electoral offences and the deployment of voting technology, the Senate rejected a proposal that sought to make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory.
Reacting to the decision, Ezekwesili accused the political class, particularly members of the Senate, of repeatedly taking steps that distance citizens from governance.
She said the frustration being expressed by Nigerians was understandable, describing the Senate’s actions as lacking sound judgement and sensitivity to public expectations.
“Nobody wants anybody to be incited, but it is entirely necessary for citizens to know that they are acting within their right when they exercise what Thomas Jefferson, one of the legendary presidents of the United States, said — that eternal vigilance is the price that citizens pay for freedom, for liberty,” she said.
She warned that lawmakers must not govern the country as though it were their personal preserve, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people rather than elected officials.
The Senate’s rejection of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results has continued to generate debate, with civil society organisations and political analysts arguing that such a provision is essential for enhancing transparency and restoring public confidence in the electoral process, especially after disputes arising from the 2023 general elections.
