By ormer Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that democracy is on the decline in Africa, arguing that it is failing because it does not align with African values and traditions. He made this assertion at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja.
Obasanjo criticized the current democratic system, stating that it does not reflect Africa’s indigenous governance structures. “Democracy in Africa has failed because in context and in content, it is not Africa. It does not have any aspect of our culture, our way of life, what we stand for, what we believe,” he said. He argued that before colonial rule, African societies had governance systems that catered to their people, which he believes should still be recognized as democracy.
Echoing his concerns, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, warned that military coups in Africa are becoming more frequent, reminiscent of the 1960s. He expressed concern that military interference in governance poses a severe threat to democratic stability. Anyaoku also called for a review of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution to reflect true federalism and better manage the country’s diversity.
However, not all speakers agreed that democracy is failing. Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese described democracy as a “work in progress,” emphasizing that while it has flaws, it offers opportunities for improvement. He noted that democracy, despite its challenges, has helped dismantle outdated feudal systems and must be nurtured rather than abandoned.
Similarly, former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Tambuwal rejected the notion that democracy is dying in Africa. He argued that democracy thrives when leaders play by the rules. “When we play by the rules, democracy works,” he stated, reaffirming that the system is evolving rather than failing.
Tambuwal also commented on the recent Senate resolution regarding the state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that the process did not follow proper procedure. He emphasized that democratic institutions must uphold due process to maintain credibility and public trust.
