Ezekwesili Alleges Democratic Capture, Says INEC and Judiciary Are Compromised

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed deep concern over what she describes as the gradual capture of democratic systems by powerful elites, warning that citizens are increasingly sidelined from the democratic process.

Speaking on Arise Television’s news programme on Thursday, Ezekwesili said that democracy in many societies, including Nigeria, is no longer functioning as intended because the core institutions meant to uphold it have been compromised.

“Democracy is being captured by the powerful in most societies where it exists,” she stated. “The marginalization of citizens happened gradually, as people realized that the social contract with the state was failing them.”

Ezekwesili argued that as citizens have become disillusioned and withdrawn from active civic participation, it has created a vacuum that has allowed for state capture—a situation where public institutions are manipulated to serve the interests of a few rather than the general populace.

She specifically cited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary as institutions that have lost public trust.

“INEC as an electoral umpire is compromised. They don’t have the trust of society. The judiciary has also engulfed itself in political shenanigans,” she said. “And so, when you have this kind of complex situation, you see the massive mess we have these days.”

Ezekwesili stressed that democratic renewal will require placing citizens back at the center of governance. She noted that, globally, stakeholders are now rethinking democracy to ensure greater citizen involvement, transparency, and accountability.

“Freedom and citizen participation are essential for innovation and societal advancement,” she added.