Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a rethink of the democratic model practised across much of Africa, arguing that the system inherited from Western countries does not adequately reflect the continent’s history, culture and realities.
Obasanjo spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he criticised the growing winner-takes-all nature of African politics.
According to him, the Western liberal democratic system adopted by many African countries was not originally designed around African societies and has contributed to a political culture where election victories often leave little room for the interests of those who lose.
He compared the situation to wearing a dress that was not made to fit.
“The democracy we practice has no African context, no African content,” Obasanjo said.
He argued that under the current system, winning an election by even a single vote can give one side almost complete control, while the opposition is left with little influence.
“If you beat me by one vote then you take it all and whatever I have does not matter,” he said.
‘Diversity Must Be Nourished’
The former president also raised concerns about how diversity is managed in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s different ethnic, religious and cultural groups should be treated as an important part of its identity.
He warned against a political system that ignores the importance of diversity, saying Nigeria’s existence as a united country is closely connected to its diverse population.
“That diversity must be nourished and be taken care of,” he said.
Obasanjo also criticised the growing influence of money and inducements in Nigerian politics, saying the trend had increased significantly.
He noted that poverty and illiteracy remained challenges to democratic development, while also expressing concern over the limited representation of women in Nigerian politics.
According to him, Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor more than two decades into the Fourth Republic.
Obasanjo Calls for ‘African Democracy’
The former president said African countries should not simply copy political systems and institutions from elsewhere without considering their own history, culture and values.
He argued that democracy should be viewed as an evolving process rather than a finished system.
“Call it what you like, just make sure it has history, culture and values that are African,” Obasanjo said.
He suggested that countries across the continent could develop a form of democracy that reflects their own realities while retaining the principles of democratic governance.
The dialogue 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.
Source: 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue.
