Former Minister of Education and public policy advocate, Oby Ezekwesili, has launched a scathing attack on the Senate over its amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act, describing the move as “a coup against our democracy and the Nigerian people.”
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili accused the upper chamber of undermining electoral transparency by attaching conditions to the electronic transmission of election results.
“The Senate committed a coup against our democracy and the Nigerian people yesterday,” she declared. “Let me again remind the Senators that it is not wise to play with fire. Transparency is always better.”
Ezekwesili insisted that Nigerians are demanding a clear and unconditional legal mandate for real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
“My fellow citizens, let nobody deceive or confuse you,” she said. “What all well-meaning Nigerians want passed by the National Assembly as INEC reform is a Bill which legally mandates electronic transmission of polling unit results in real time and without any conditions attached.”
She cited the version earlier passed by the House of Representatives as reflecting the will of the people, quoting its provision:
Clause 60(3): “INEC shall electronically transmit election results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal in real time and such transmission shall be done simultaneously with the physical collation of results.”
“Period! No ifs, no buts, no whataboutism and no provisos,” she emphasized.
The former minister expressed concern over the Senate’s addition of a proviso stating that where electronic transmission fails or becomes impossible, the signed Form EC8A shall serve as the primary source of election results.
“The proviso the Senate added to Clause 60(3) is a grave danger to our democracy,” Ezekwesili warned. “It will permanently damage the transparency that citizens are demanding in our electoral process.”
According to her, the provision could erode public trust in elections.
“Your vote and mine can never count with such a deceptive and ill-intended proviso,” she said. “The Senators know what they are doing. They simply don’t want transparency.”
Ezekwesili argued that real-time electronic transmission at polling units would eliminate opportunities for electoral manipulation.
“Transparency through electronic transmission of results in real time at each polling unit will end their opportunity to rig our elections,” she stated.
She further alleged that the Senate’s position threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundation and governance outcomes.
“The Senate is determined to hijack Nigeria’s democracy and continue with bad governance that is perpetuating poverty and killings across our land,” she said.
Calling for civic vigilance, Ezekwesili urged Nigerians to defend democratic principles.
“We, the citizens of Nigeria — not politicians — are the real owners of democracy. We must collectively stand to defend our right to transparency,” she declared.
She concluded with a call for preparedness, referencing her school days:
“Our Girls Guide motto was: Be prepared.”
