Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated in Abuja on Monday that democracy in Africa has failed, arguing that it lacks alignment with the continent’s cultural values and way of life. He made these remarks during the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.
Obasanjo questioned whether Africa is practicing democracy in its true sense or merely adopting Western liberal democracy. He pointed out that before colonial rule, African societies had governance systems that effectively met the needs of their people. “Whatever you call it, to me, it is democracy,” he said, referencing Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy as a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
He stressed that democracy should serve all citizens, not just a select few. Comparing modern representative democracy to ancient Greek democracy, where everyone participated directly in decision-making, Obasanjo argued that today’s system has failed to truly represent the interests of all.
Furthermore, he criticized the current democratic structures in Africa, claiming they have enabled leaders to amass wealth through illegal and corrupt means while leaving citizens with little recourse other than to seek justice through the courts.
