Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has raised concerns about the level of violence and intimidation witnessed in the ongoing governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in Lagos State. In particular, she is worried that this could become a new normal in the administration of Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, who was declared president-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ezekwesili, who has served Nigeria in various capacities, is concerned that Nigerians may witness a reckless and total disregard for the rule of law if Tinubu becomes President. She expressed her concern on Twitter, saying, “The mayhem @officialABAT and his criminal enterprise gang unleashed in Lagos today against innocent citizens is what he wants to assume the Office of President and scale to the rest of Nigeria in the name of ‘controlling the Center?’ Tufia! The God of Justice forbids.”
The violence in Lagos State during the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections was characterized by ballot box snatching, intimidation, and the use of thugs. There were also reports of voter suppression and disenfranchisement, with some voters being prevented from casting their votes.
Ezekwesili’s concerns stem from the fact that Tinubu is widely seen as a godfather figure in Lagos State politics, with a significant level of control over the state’s political landscape. She fears that if he becomes President, he will extend his control over the entire country and operate with impunity, leading to a further erosion of democracy in Nigeria.
Tinubu’s political influence in Lagos State dates back to the early days of the Fourth Republic, and he has been instrumental in the election of several governors in the state. His political machinery, which includes the use of thugs, has been widely criticized, with many seeing it as an affront to democracy.
Ezekwesili’s concerns are not unfounded, as Tinubu has been accused of using his political power to enrich himself and his family members. There have also been reports of corruption and abuse of power by his political allies and supporters.
The former minister has called on Nigerians to resist any attempt by Tinubu or any other politician to subvert democracy and the rule of law. She believes that Nigerians have a right to hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency and good governance.
Ezekwesili is a well-respected figure in Nigeria, having served as a senior World Bank official and as Nigeria’s Minister of Education. She was also a co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, which advocated for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in 2014.
Her concerns about the ongoing violence and the potential for a further erosion of democracy in Nigeria have been echoed by other prominent Nigerians and international observers. They have called on the Nigerian government to ensure free, fair, and credible elections and to hold those responsible for violence and voter suppression accountable.