Nigeria’s democracy is not functioning as it should, and urgent reforms are needed to address its shortcomings, according to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party’s 2024 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Kukah, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
The leaders made these remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja. The event also featured prominent figures such as former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari.
Obasanjo: Western Democracy Fails Africa
Obasanjo, in his speech, criticized the application of Western democracy in Africa, arguing that it does not align with the continent’s values and needs.
“Is democracy failing in Africa? Are we talking of democracy or Western liberal democracy? We had systems in Africa that attended to the needs of the people. Democracy should be about serving the people, but what we have now is not achieving that,” he stated.
He called for a redefinition of democracy that better reflects Africa’s cultural realities and governance structures.
Peter Obi: “Democracy is Not Working in Nigeria”
Obi echoed Obasanjo’s concerns, declaring that Nigeria’s democratic system is ineffective. Citing his personal experience in reclaiming his mandate after an impeachment attempt, he emphasized that true democracy should not be transactional.
“Democracy is not working in Nigeria. Everything has been knocked down. I didn’t pay a dime to retrieve my mandate. Nigeria should consider proportional representation like Indonesia,” Obi said.
Kukah: Religion is Being Weaponized in Nigerian Politics
Delivering the keynote speech titled “Is Democracy Failing in Africa?”, Bishop Kukah lamented the use of religion as a tool for political manipulation, calling it a major hindrance to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“Democracy is a work in progress, but in Nigeria, religion has been weaponized. Judges are pressured to betray justice, and citizens feel helpless. There is an urgent need to clean up this mess,” Kukah remarked.
He also compared Obasanjo and Atiku’s relationship to a Catholic marriage—filled with conflicts but never breaking apart.
Tambuwal: Democracy’s Success Depends on Political Leaders
Tambuwal described democracy in Nigeria as “a work in progress”, stressing that its effectiveness depends on political actors’ willingness to follow democratic principles. Reflecting on past emergency rule declarations, he criticized inconsistencies in how the National Assembly has handled similar situations.
“Under Obasanjo, when a state of emergency was declared, the National Assembly ensured due process was followed. What happened in the last one? We need to chase out bad operators in democracy,” he said.
Atiku: Ihedioha’s Loyalty is Unwavering
Atiku praised Ihedioha for his loyalty and dedication despite political differences, underscoring the importance of personal integrity in politics.
“Even when we found ourselves on different political divides, our relationship remained strong. That testifies to Emeka’s character,” Atiku said.
A Call for Reforms in Nigeria’s Democracy
The discussions at the event highlight the growing frustration with Nigeria’s democratic process and the urgent need for reforms to ensure true representation and justice. As political leaders and citizens push for change, the future of Nigeria’s democracy remains a subject of intense debate.
