Ezekwesili Demands Independent Probe, Says INEC Cannot Investigate Itself

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has referred to as for an impartial investigation into allegations of manipulation of Nigeria’s voter register, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can’t examine itself.

In an open memorandum dated November 3, 2026, in Abuja, Ezekwesili demanded the institution of a Citizens’ Electoral Rescue Team to take over the clean-up of the voter register forward of the 2027 basic elections.

She mentioned the allegations of irregularities had raised severe issues in regards to the credibility of the electoral course of and the fee’s potential to ensure credible elections.

Ezekwesili cited statements allegedly made by INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, throughout tv appearances on October 30 and November 1.

According to her, Bayode disclosed that registration officers had used their official credentials to introduce AI-generated pictures, duplicate data and fabricated entries throughout a number of states.

She argued that the allegations required an impartial investigation, warning that an inquiry performed by the electoral fee itself wouldn’t encourage public confidence.

“The question of whether Nigeria can conduct a credible 2027 election is already answered. Nigeria cannot conduct a credible 2027 election under the leadership of INEC,” she mentioned.

Ezekwesili mentioned public belief within the Commission had fallen sharply, warning that failure to handle the allegations may undermine the 2027 elections earlier than voting begins.

She proposed that the Citizens’ Electoral Rescue Team ought to conduct an impartial forensic audit of the voter register, establish and take away fraudulent entries, examine attainable wrongdoing and make sure that Nigerians have entry to related electoral data.

She additionally referred to as for the general public disclosure of officers implicated within the alleged manipulation and urged that anybody discovered accountable needs to be held accountable following a reputable investigation.

The proposed group, she mentioned, ought to embody impartial forensic, cybersecurity and biometric consultants, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, related skilled our bodies, lecturers, spiritual and conventional leaders, political occasion observers and worldwide election observers.

Under her proposal, political events can be allowed to look at the method however would don’t have any management over the group’s actions. Serving and former INEC officers, public workplace holders, candidates and occasion officers can be excluded from membership to guard its independence.

Ezekwesili described the voter register as the inspiration of a reputable election, warning that any manipulation may compromise the complete course of earlier than ballots had been forged.

“The register of voters is the first ballot. If it is rigged, every ballot that follows is rigged before it is cast,” she mentioned.

She urged the National Assembly to move laws below what she referred to as a “Doctrine of Necessity” to empower the proposed group to wash up the voter register and oversee residents’ remark and verification of the 2027 elections.

She additionally referred to as on civil society organisations, skilled our bodies and different stakeholders to assist the proposal, saying pressing motion was wanted to revive public confidence within the electoral course of.

Ezekwesili mentioned the group ought to function transparently, make related election data accessible to Nigerians and report on to the general public. She urged stakeholders to behave whereas proof regarding the allegations remained accessible.