Former Education Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed deep concern over what she described as the hijacking of democracy by powerful interests, warning that citizens have been sidelined in the democratic process.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Ezekwesili argued that democracy has been weakened and corrupted over time, leaving ordinary citizens powerless and disconnected.

“Democracy is being taken over by the powerful in most societies where it operates. Citizens became marginalized gradually, as it became clear that the social contract with the state was failing them,” she said.

According to her, the declining involvement of citizens in governance has opened the door for state capture, while critical institutions expected to uphold democracy have also lost credibility.

She singled out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, saying both institutions no longer inspire public confidence.

“The INEC as an electoral umpire has been compromised; it no longer enjoys the trust of the people. The judiciary, too, has immersed itself in political games. With this sort of complex situation, we end up with the chaos we see today,” she stated.

Ezekwesili further noted that stakeholders around the world are now exploring solutions to restore citizens to the heart of governance, stressing that freedom and civic participation remain vital for innovation and societal progress.