Obasanjo: Africa Needs a Democracy of Its Own Context

Abuja, March 24, 2025 (Naija247news) – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the need for Africa to develop a democracy rooted in its own context, one that delivers benefits to all citizens, not just a select few. He made these remarks on Monday in Abuja during a colloquium held to celebrate the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State.

Obasanjo criticized the current democratic system in Africa, stating that it was becoming a government system controlled by a small group, serving a large population. He suggested that Africa needs a democracy that is truly representative and addresses the needs of the people, aligning with its cultural values and traditions. Obasanjo remarked that before colonialism, Africa practiced its own form of democracy, which better suited its people’s needs.

He raised the question of whether democracy in Africa was failing, stating, “Is democracy failing in Africa? Are we talking about democracy or Western liberal democracy?” Citing Abraham Lincoln’s description of democracy as a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” Obasanjo highlighted the disconnect between the ideal and the reality of modern African democracies.

“The Greek democracy affects everyone, but democracy has now become representative democracy and it doesn’t take care of everyone,” he noted. He also argued that African democracy is not in line with its own culture and way of life, stating, “Democracy in Africa has failed because it’s not African; it doesn’t have our culture and way of lives.”

Echoing Obasanjo’s sentiment, Bishop Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, referred to democracy in Africa as a “work in progress.” He pointed out that the system of democracy Africa inherited was not suited to its context, but acknowledged its relevance. He stressed the importance of equity and justice in democracy, stating, “There must also be a mechanism for measuring the growth of democracy.”

Kukah argued that development must be democratized equitably to foster democracy. He added, “Democracy and its principle are endless contestation of ideas, opportunity, and privileges,” emphasizing the need for a fairer distribution of opportunities and resources.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, offered a solution, recommending that Nigeria adopt a proportional representation system similar to that of Indonesia. This, he argued, could help improve the inclusivity and fairness of Nigeria’s democracy.

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, added that Nigeria could overcome its crises and achieve development through stable democratic governance. He underscored the need for true federalism to manage national issues effectively and rejected the Eurocentric model often applied in African governance. Anyaoku also expressed concern about recent coups in Mali and Niger, warning that they threatened to reverse the progress made in the region.

In his closing remarks, Emeka Ihedioha thanked the guests for honoring him on his 60th birthday and reiterated his commitment to defending democracy. Drawing from advice he received from his father, he shared, “The most expensive habit is having friends,” reflecting his long-standing dedication to the cause of democracy. Ihedioha urged Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy, stating, “We should all rise to defend democracy. I urge all men to always speak truth to power and protect democracy.”