Obasanjo Calls for African Democracy Model to Replace Western System

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a fundamental rethinking of the democratic model practiced across Africa, arguing that the Western liberal system inherited from colonial rule has failed to adequately reflect the continent's history, culture, and social realities. Speaking on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Nigeria, Obasanjo urged African nations to develop a democratic system with genuine African context and content.

Obasanjo, who chaired the event, questioned whether the political structures imposed by former colonial masters were suitable for the continent. He stated that what is commonly referred to as African democracy is essentially Western liberal democracy transplanted into Africa, rather than a system developed from African values. He likened the adoption of this model to wearing a garment that was not tailored to fit, saying it has fostered a winner-takes-all political culture where victory by a narrow margin gives the winner control of virtually everything.

The former president criticized the growing control of political parties over elected representatives, saying those elected to...