Electoral Act Amendment: Oby Ezekwesili Warns Senate to Stop Playing With Fire
Former Minister of Education and prominent public policy advocate, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a strong warning to the Nigerian Senate over the ongoing debate surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment, urging lawmakers to tread carefully and avoid actions that could undermine the country’s democratic process.
Ezekwesili, a former Vice President of the World Bank (Africa Region), expressed concern over proposals reportedly being considered by the Senate in relation to electoral reforms. She cautioned that any attempt to weaken transparency, accountability, or technological improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system would have serious consequences.
“Stop playing with fire,” she warned, emphasizing that electoral integrity is fundamental to sustaining democracy and public trust in governance.
Her comments come amid heightened public debate over aspects of the proposed amendment, particularly regarding issues such as real-time transmission of election results, the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the legal framework guiding future elections.
Ezekwesili argued that electoral laws should be strengthened rather than diluted, especially in a country where citizens have repeatedly demanded credible and transparent elections. She maintained that reforms must prioritize voter confidence and reflect global best practices.
The former minister also stressed that lawmakers carry a heavy responsibility to protect democratic institutions, noting that any perceived attempt to manipulate electoral processes could deepen political tension and erode public trust.
Political analysts say the Electoral Act Amendment has become a sensitive issue, with civil society organizations and advocacy groups closely monitoring legislative proceedings. Many stakeholders have called for broad consultation and transparency in the amendment process to ensure that reforms genuinely enhance the electoral system.
Members of the Senate have yet to formally respond to Ezekwesili’s warning, but some lawmakers have previously defended proposed changes as necessary adjustments aimed at improving administrative efficiency and resolving legal ambiguities in the existing law.
The debate underscores the broader conversation about electoral reform in Nigeria, where past elections have often sparked disputes and legal challenges. Observers note that the credibility of future elections may hinge on how well lawmakers address concerns raised by citizens and civil society groups.
As discussions on the Electoral Act Amendment continue, Ezekwesili and other reform advocates are urging the Senate to prioritize national interest and democratic stability over partisan considerations.
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