Western democracy must reflect African realities, Obasanjo says

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a fundamental review of Nigeria’s democratic system, saying the Western liberal model adopted by African countries has failed to adequately reflect the continent’s realities.

Obasanjo made the call on Tuesday while chairing the annual Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi.

He argued that what is often described as African democracy was largely inherited from colonial powers and was not developed from the continent’s own history, culture and social values.

“There’s nothing like African democracy. We were given Western liberal democracy by our colonial masters,” he said.

The former president said democracy should not be measured only by elections, political parties and the transfer of power, but by its ability to provide good governance and improve the lives of citizens.

He said a democratic system should promote equity, inclusion, freedom, security, protection of lives and property, and ensure that citizens do not feel marginalised or discriminated against.

Obasanjo also raised concerns about the growing influence of political parties over elected representatives.

He said lawmakers and other elected officials were increasingly becoming representatives of their political parties instead of the communities and constituencies that elected them.