2027 Poll: Ezekwesili Reveals What Nigerians Should Be Talking About Instead

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised Nigerian politicians over what she described as their failure to serve the country in the national interest.

Ezekwesili accused some politicians of displaying patriotism while in office but becoming what she termed “predators” after leaving government.

The former minister made the remarks during a live interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

She expressed concern that politicians in government often reject criticism of poor governance, with critics frequently labelled as enemies of the country.

Ezekwesili, who is also the founder of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, further lamented what she described as the damaging impact of Nigeria’s repeated electoral cycles on human dignity and the value placed on human life.

According to her, Nigerians should not make the 2027 general election their primary concern at this stage but should instead focus on the current condition of the country.

The former minister urged Nigerians to begin “voting for themselves”, arguing that the current political leadership has contributed significantly to the deterioration of citizens’ welfare and the country’s institutions.

“The Nigeria construct is orphaned, and it’s only loved by the people I call predators of patriotism. When they are in office, they are patriotic about Nigeria but outside of office they are not patriotic.

“If you consider the kind of hollowing out of the Nigeria state that we have experienced in the last couple of years, then you should know that we are sleepwalking. It’s almost like we’re in denial.

“I do not think that the most important thing for Nigerians to be talking about is the 2027 elections at this point.

“Elections after elections in Nigeria there is a complete collapse of human dignity. It’s like we have zeroed out on the value of life, and yet we continue to think that if we just keep having elections, we will be fine.

“And I am challenging and saying that Nigerians should at least start voting for themselves,” she said.