Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced strong criticism of democracy in Africa, arguing that the system has failed because it does not align with the continent’s cultural values and traditions. Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja, Obasanjo questioned whether Africans were truly practicing democracy or merely imitating Western governance models.
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Referencing Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy as ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people,’ Obasanjo lamented that, in Africa, democracy has instead become a system where a small elite rules over a disenfranchised majority. He described it as a vehicle for corruption and injustice, where political leaders amass wealth while depriving citizens of basic rights.
He asserted that democracy in Africa lacks substance because it does not reflect indigenous governance traditions. He called for a redefined system that integrates African cultural and historical contexts to ensure true representation and development.
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Other speakers at the event echoed his concerns. Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah underscored the weaponization of religion in Nigerian politics, while former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, pointed out inconsistencies in how democratic institutions function in the country. Peter Obi, a former governor and presidential candidate, also criticized the system, arguing that Nigeria should consider adopting a proportional representation model similar to Indonesia’s.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, reflected on his efforts in promoting democracy across Africa and emphasized the need for constitutional reforms and true federalism to stabilize governance. He warned that the resurgence of military coups in Mali and Niger signals a dangerous regression that must be addressed.
The celebrant, Emeka Ihedioha, expressed gratitude to those present and reiterated his commitment to defending democracy. He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in upholding democratic principles, insisting that the survival of democracy requires collective vigilance and courage
