Obasanjo Says Western Liberal Democracy Has Failed Africa, Calls for New Governance Model
Obasanjo Says Western Liberal Democracy Has Failed Africa, Calls for New Governance Model
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has renewed his criticism of Western liberal democracy in Africa, declaring that the system inherited from colonial powers has failed to adequately reflect the continent’s history, culture and political realities.
Obasanjo spoke at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue 2026 held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, where African leaders, scholars, jurists and development experts gathered to discuss the future of democracy, elections and governance on the continent.
The former president, who chaired the dialogue themed, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, argued that what is commonly described as democracy in Africa is essentially Western liberal democracy inherited from former colonial powers.
According to Obasanjo, African countries must critically examine whether the existing democratic model has delivered good governance, improved living standards and equitable development for their citizens.
He maintained that democracy should ultimately guarantee the welfare and wellbeing of the people, protect lives and property, promote inclusion and give citizens a genuine sense of belonging.
Obasanjo also questioned whether Africa’s political institutions, including political parties and the judiciary, are functioning in ways that strengthen the will of the people. He raised concerns about situations where electoral disputes eventually leave a small number of judges determining the outcome of elections involving millions of voters.
The former Nigerian leader further argued that some concepts embedded in Western liberal democracy do not easily align with African political traditions. He cited the concept of a “loyal opposition,” noting that political opposition in many African societies is frequently treated as hostility rather than an essential component of democratic governance.
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity must be properly managed, warning that any democratic system that fails to recognise ethnic, cultural and regional differences risks deepening division and exclusion.
Obasanjo’s position was echoed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who called for a wider debate on the type of democracy best suited for Africa. Jonathan expressed concern over the concentration of enormous political power in the presidency in many African countries and suggested that the continent should examine systems that encourage greater power-sharing and collective decision-making.
Jonathan suggested that African countries could study elements of parliamentary government, where executive authority is more widely distributed, rather than allowing excessive power to be concentrated in one individual.
Also contributing to the debate, Peter Obi questioned the quality of democracy being practised in Nigeria and called for stronger institutions built around justice, equity and fairness.
University of Nairobi scholar Professor Karuti Kanyinga also warned that democracy in Africa was being weakened by the declining distinction between ruling and opposition political parties.
The discussions in Bauchi reinforced growing calls for African countries to reassess their democratic institutions beyond periodic elections and develop governance systems capable of delivering accountability, inclusion, stability and sustainable development.
Obasanjo has repeatedly advocated a governance framework more closely aligned with African realities, previously proposing what he described as “Afro Democracy” as an alternative model that incorporates the continent’s traditions, culture and social structures.
