Ezekwesili Decries Failure of Governance, Says Nigeria Needs Rebirth
Funmi Ogundare Former Minister of Education and Chairperson, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday cautioned Nigerians against making the 2027 presidential election the sole focus of
Former Minister of Education and Chairperson of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has warned against Nigerians solely concentrating on the 2027 presidential election, asserting that the country’s primary issue lies in the failure of its political and governance system. During an interview on AriseTV PrimeTime, Dr. Ezekwesili emphasized the need for a comprehensive national dialogue to address fundamental issues, including the establishment of shared national values, a collective vision, and a political system that can effectively deliver development to citizens.
Dr. Ezekwesili argued that the recurring focus on elections has not tackled the underlying structural problems causing Nigeria's deteriorating political, economic, and social conditions. She emphasized that Nigerians should not accept their current situation as their destiny, instead of believing it is the result of deliberate political choices that can be altered.
The former minister called for a national conversation leading to a consensus on shared values and a national vision, which should eventually shape a new constitutional arrangement. She lamented the lack of a robust social contract, cohesion, and capital in Nigeria, stating that these deficiencies have exacerbated ethnic, religious, and other divisions.
Dr. Ezekwesili criticized the political class for not facilitating the necessary national conversation required to transform Nigeria from a mere geographical entity into a cohesive nation. She pointed out that since independence, Nigeria has failed to conduct the essential national dialogue needed to establish shared values, agree on a national vision, and create a constitution based on that consensus.
Regarding the 2027 presidential election, Dr. Ezekwesili reaffirmed her support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, basing her decision on her assessment of leadership qualities, character, competence, and capacity. While acknowledging the challenges the APC faces due to incumbency, political structures, and financial resources, she maintained that Nigerians should not overlook the broader national issues at hand, as voters sometimes choose to reject the current political trajectory.
The chairperson warned that short-term economic gains should not permanently shape Nigeria's future, as many Nigerians prioritize immediate survival over long-term national interests. She also criticized the middle class for not investing enough in building a sustainable Nigeria and urged citizens to demand fundamental reforms instead of adapting to a dysfunctional system.
Dr. Ezekwesili cited Kenya as an example of a nation that addressed its political and constitutional challenges through a genuine national conversation, arguing that Nigeria can also overcome its existential nation-building issues by engaging in such a discourse. She stated that the political class in Nigeria has resisted discussions around restructuring, constitutional reform, and competitiveness due to the existing arrangement benefiting political elites.
For Peter Obi to succeed in 2027 and unite the nation, Dr. Ezekwesili believes the process must go beyond inspirational speeches and be grounded in a broader national project capable of addressing Nigeria's governance challenges.
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