According to Ezekwesili, her stance has not altered because, according to the leadership standards she employed in the 2023 presidential contest, Obi would still be ranked higher than other front-runners. This was said by the former World Bank Vise President for Africa on Monday during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise TV.

She clarified that she would still reach the same judgement today after evaluating the presidential contenders in 2023 based on their ability to rule successfully.
“I made it very plain in 2023 that I was going to support former Governor Obi since the other two candidates scored significantly worse than what you would assign to him using the parameters on which I perceive leadership either failing or succeeding to rule properly.

She remarked, “I don’t think that anything has really significantly changed.” Ezekwesili, however, advised against limiting the discussion of Nigeria’s future to Obi or any other specific candidate.

“This shouldn’t be about Peter Obi. We shouldn’t personalise, in my opinion. “I find the construct intriguing,” she remarked.

The former minister claimed that Nigeria’s existing political and governmental system had failed its people and denounced what she called the country’s diminishing regard for human life and dignity.

She argues that Nigerians need to demand a fundamental shift in the country’s governance and reject the idea that the existing state of affairs is unavoidable.
“This resignation—that this is our fate—is the nation’s biggest tragedy. No, I say; this is intentional. This is intentional; it is not our fate,” she remarked. Nigerians should actively participate in selecting leaders who would serve their interests, Ezekwesili continued.

“I’m contesting it and arguing that Nigerians ought to at least cast their own ballots. “Vote for yourself if no one supports the leaders you are selecting,” she advised. She emphasised that in order to change the course of the nation, citizens would need to take more responsibility for the leadership they select, and she encouraged capable Nigerians to get involved in politics and run for local, state, and federal office.