Obasanjo calls for paradigm shift, labels western democracy failure in Africa
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a bold critique of Western liberal democracy, asserting that its imposition on Africa during the colonial era has hindered its effectiveness as a governing system.
The outspoken statesman made these remarks as the keynote speaker at a high-profile consultation titled “Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy for Africa,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including former Governors Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola, along with former Minister of State for Defence Olusola Obada.
Obasanjo argued that Western Liberal Democracy falls short in Africa because it neglects the perspectives of the majority.
He characterized it as a system where power resides in the hands of a few individuals, representing only a portion of the population, rather than being fully inclusive.
Advocating for what he termed “Afro-centred democracy,” Obasanjo emphasized that African nations should not adhere to a governance system they had no role in defining or designing. He critiqued the flaws in liberal democracy, attributing its shortcomings to historical, contextual, and content-related factors.
“The weakness and failure of liberal democracy as it is practised stem from its history, content, and context and its practice,” Obasanjo declared.
“We are here to stop being foolish and stupid. Can we look inward and outward to see what in our country, culture, tradition, practice, and living over the years that we can learn from, adopt and adapt with practices everywhere for a changed system of government that will serve our purpose better and deliver.”
He urged attendees, including leaders in academia and experienced politicians, to think innovatively about alternative governance models that consider the unique cultural and historical contexts of African nations.
Obasanjo called for a thorough examination of liberal democracy’s flaws and the generation of ideas to create a more effective and responsive system of government tailored to the needs of the African people.
