Former ministers Chibuike Amaechi and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili expressed divergent views on the efficacy of electoral reforms in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election. Their disagreement unfolded during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, an event themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Election in 2027,” organized by the National Consultative Front/Labour and Civil Society Front in collaboration with the Movement for Credible Elections in Abuja.

Dr. Ezekwesili, the former education minister, championed comprehensive reforms, particularly advocating for the financial and operational autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She argued that INEC should receive allocations directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without executive interference, ensuring its budget is protected, released in full, and on time for proper election planning. To curb corruption, Ezekwesili proposed mandating INEC to adopt open budgeting and spending principles, collaborating with civil society organizations for financial tracking and accountability.

Ezekwesili further called for the organizational strengthening of INEC, specifically enhancing its prosecutorial powers. She highlighted that the current reliance on the police and Attorney General for electoral offense prosecution results in a lack of credible investigation and conviction, fostering a culture of impunity. Granting INEC its own prosecutorial unit or dedicated access to prosecutors, she asserted, would ensure timely action against electoral violations and serve as a crucial deterrent against fraudulent behaviors that undermine the electoral system.

A key proposal from Ezekwesili was the mandatory electronic transmission of election results. She emphasized the need to codify the use of technology for results transmission to eliminate ambiguities, reduce opportunities for manipulation, and increase public confidence in the electoral process.

In contrast, Chibuike Amaechi, former transport minister, cautioned against over-reliance on technology, citing risks related to cybersecurity, infrastructural inadequacies, and voter exclusion in areas with limited connectivity. Amaechi advocated a more gradual, stepwise approach to reform, combining technological innovation with traditional electoral safeguards to maintain transparency while ensuring the inclusivity of all eligible voters.

The spirited debate highlighted the tension between progressive electoral modernization and practical implementation challenges. Analysts noted that the clash underscores the urgency of balancing technological advancement, legal frameworks, and institutional capacity to achieve credible and fair elections in Nigeria’s 2027 polls.