Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again sparked a nationwide conversation with his bold critique of democracy in Africa. Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Obasanjo declared that democracy, as it is currently practiced on the continent, has failed to serve its people. His remarks have ignited debates about the future of governance in Africa and the need for a system that reflects the continent's unique values and culture.
Obasanjo did not mince words as he described the current state of democracy in Africa. He argued that the Western-style liberal democracy adopted by many African nations is incompatible with the continent's cultural and historical context. According to him, "Democracy has now become representative democracy. Today we have democracy, which is government of the people, of a small number of people, by a small number of people, over a large number of people who are deprived of what they need to have in life."
He further criticized the system for enabling corruption and injustice, where those in power amass wealth illegally while the masses are left without recourse. "What sort of democracy do you have, and you grab everything illegally and corruptly, and you say go to court? Even in the court, you cannot get justice," he lamented.
Obasanjo emphasized the need for a governance system that integrates African values and addresses the needs of its people. He called for a redefinition of democracy that aligns with the continent's rich cultural and historical context. "We have to look at democracy in the context and the content of Africa. I hope that we will get to that stage so that democracy, which will deliver, will be the democracy that we will have in Africa," he stated.