Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Western-style democracy has failed in Africa, arguing that it does not align with the continent’s values. He called for a governance model rooted in African traditions, warning that without reform, democracy in Africa risks collapse due to corruption and inequality.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has argued that Western-style democracy has not succeeded in Africa because it does not reflect the continent’s values and traditions. Speaking at a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Obasanjo questioned whether African nations were truly democratic or merely imitating foreign governance systems.
According to Obasanjo, pre-colonial African societies had governance structures that effectively served the people, making them democratic in their own right. He referenced Abraham Lincoln’s well-known definition of democracy—"government of the people, by the people, for the people"—stating that true democracy should work for the majority rather than a privileged few.
The former president criticized the current system, arguing that it enables a small elite to dominate governance while the majority struggle to access their rights and necessities. He pointed to corruption and injustice as key issues, highlighting how those in power accumulate wealth while ordinary citizens are left without real recourse.
Obasanjo warned that Africa’s current democratic model is not only failing but also at risk of becoming obsolete. He called for an approach that integrates African values and historical governance practices, ensuring that democracy serves the people more effectively.
“For democracy to work in Africa, it must be adapted to our realities, not imposed from outside,” he stated.
