Ezekwesili Urges Nigerians To Demand Better Leadership Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Nigerians have been urged by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, to reject the notion that the country's decline is inevitable. Ezekwesili stressed that the current state of affairs is a result of a flawed national design that needs to be challenged by citizens. In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, she emphasized the importance of voting for leadership that is founded on character, competence, and capacity, rather than being swayed by ethnic or religious considerations. Ezekwesili, who is also the founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance and the Human Capital Africa, expressed concern over the erosion of human dignity and the value of life in Nigeria. She argued that the country's problems are largely due to the resignation of citizens to deteriorating conditions, which she described as a 'design' that needs to be challenged. Ezekwesili called for a renewed national conversation aimed at establishing a common identity, shared values, and a social contract that can strengthen cohesion among Nigerians. She noted that Nigeria failed to undertake a national conversation after independence, which has hindered the country's transition from a mere geographical entity to a cohesive nation. Regarding the 2027 presidential election, Ezekwesili expressed her support for former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, citing his character, competence, and capacity as the basis for her endorsement. However, she cautioned against reducing the conversation about Nigeria's future to a single candidate, emphasizing the need for a broader discussion about the country's construct and the need for fundamental reforms.