Harry Archie
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the type of democracy practised in many African countries, saying it does not properly reflect African history, culture and values.
Obasanjo said the Western-style democracy inherited by African countries has created a “winner-takes-all” political system where those who win elections often ignore those who lose.
He spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi.
According to Obasanjo, the Western democratic system was not designed for Africa’s realities.
He compared it to wearing a dress that was not made to fit.He said political opponents are often treated as enemies instead of being seen as part of the democratic process.
“Our democracy has no African context and no African content,” Obasanjo said.
He also criticised the “first-past-the-post” system, where a candidate can win an election by just one vote and take control while the views of those who lost are largely ignored.
The former president also warned about the poor management of Nigeria’s diversity, saying it was an important part of the country’s identity.
“Nigeria is what it is because of our diversity,” he said, adding that the country must protect and promote its diversity.
Obasanjo also expressed concern about the increasing role of money and inducements in Nigerian politics.
He said poverty and illiteracy have made democracy more difficult, but also criticised the lack of women in political leadership.
He noted that Nigeria has not elected a female governor in more than 24 years of the Fourth Republic.
Obasanjo called for Nigeria and other African countries to develop a democratic system that reflects their own history, culture and values.
He said democracy should be seen as a continuous process and not something that has already been fully achieved.
“You can call it democracy or African democracy,” he said, stressing that it should have an African context and content.
The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, constitutional experts and civil society representatives from across Africa.
