(DDM) – Former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili has openly criticised the Nigerian Senate over recent electoral amendments.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ezekwesili described a new provision on result transmission as dangerous for democracy.
She shared her views in a strongly worded message posted on her verified X account.
She argued that the Senate inserted a clause that could weaken credible elections.
She called the provision an insult to the intelligence of Nigerian voters.
She insisted that elected officials must always respect the will of citizens.
She said democracy cannot function when leaders override the people’s voice.
She accused some senators of creating room for manipulation in future elections.
She warned that the clause could become a loophole during the 2027 polls.
She claimed the Senate leadership signaled that votes might not truly count.
She urged lawmakers to reconsider any law that reduces transparency.
She contrasted the Senate’s action with that of the House of Representatives.
She praised the House for supporting real-time electronic transmission of results.
She said the House showed courage by aligning with public demands.
She quoted a clause that mandates INEC to send polling unit results electronically.
She noted that the clause requires simultaneous electronic and physical collation.
She argued that such a system protects electoral integrity.
She said Nigerians increasingly demand transparent vote management.
She warned senators not to ignore rising public frustration.
She said citizens have grown tired of political games.
The controversy followed the Senate’s amendment of the Electoral Act.
Lawmakers revised Section 60 during a plenary session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over that session.
The amendment requires presiding officers to transmit results electronically.
However, it allows manual sheets to prevail if transmission fails.
Critics say that fallback option creates vulnerability.
Supporters say network realities require flexibility.
The debate has sparked protests and online campaigns.
Some groups accuse politicians of protecting their interests.
Others argue that technology failures remain a real risk.
Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined street protests in Abuja.
He appeared under the #OccupyNASS banner.
He warned against suppressing peaceful demonstrators.
He accused elites of designing laws for advantage.
He said transparent elections threaten entrenched interests.
Nigeria has faced repeated disputes over election credibility.
Electronic transmission became a major reform demand after past controversies.
INEC introduced the IREV portal to improve transparency.
Observers say digital tools can reduce result tampering.
Skeptics caution about infrastructure gaps in rural areas.
Civil society groups continue to monitor reforms.
Many voters now follow legislative changes closely.
Analysts say trust in elections shapes political stability.
They note that perception can influence turnout.
Ezekwesili has long advocated governance reforms.
She previously served as minister and global policy expert.
She often speaks on accountability and transparency.
Her comments quickly gained attention online.
Supporters praised her for speaking bluntly.
Critics accused her of politicising the issue.
The Senate has not formally responded to her remarks.
Debate over the amendment continues nationwide.
The issue may shape early conversations about 2027.
For many Nigerians, credible elections remain a top priority.
The coming months may test lawmakers’ responsiveness.
Citizens and observers continue to watch developments closely.
