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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Peter Obi, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal have expressed concerns that democracy is not working in Nigeria, calling for urgent reforms.
Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, Obasanjo criticized the Western model of democracy, stating that it does not align with Africa’s values. He argued that democracy in Africa has failed because it does not reflect the continent’s unique cultural and governance structures.
“Democracy in Africa has failed because it’s not African. We had a form of government that attended to people’s needs before Western democracy was imposed,” Obasanjo stated.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also condemned the current state of democracy in Nigeria, saying it has been “knocked down” by the present administration. Recalling his experience fighting to reclaim his mandate after being impeached as Anambra governor, Obi emphasized that he did not resort to bribery, unlike what he believes happens today.
“Democracy is not working in Nigeria. Everything has been knocked down. Nothing works,” Obi lamented, advocating for a proportional representation system similar to Indonesia’s.
Delivering the keynote address, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah highlighted the weaponization of religion as a major obstacle to democratic progress in Nigeria. He urged for a more inclusive and honest approach to governance.
With rising concerns over governance failures, speakers at the event called for a redefined democracy that truly serves the Nigerian people and reflects African realities.
