Obasanjo Describes Africa’s Democracy Government By A Small Number For A Small Number

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has outlined reasons for what he described as the failure of democracy across Africa. According to him, African leaders often govern with a small clique, wielding enormous powers with little or no resistance, leading to widespread illegalities and abuse of office.

Speaking at a colloquium in Abuja on Monday, March 24, 2025, to mark the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha, a former governor of Imo State, Obasanjo criticized the Western-style democracy practised in Africa.

He agued that the system does not align with the values, culture, and way of life of the African people.

Referencing Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy as “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” Obasanjo stressed that democracy should work for all citizens rather than a privileged few.

Obasanjo questioned whether African nations were truly practising democracy or merely adopting Western liberal models without considering local realities.

“If you are talking about democracy failing in Africa, democracy in Africa has failed,” Obasanjo asserted.

He explained that the current system does not reflect African traditions, beliefs, and ways of life.

“Today, we have democracy which is the government of a small number of people, by a small number of people, over a large number of people who are deprived of what they need to have in life. That is not democracy that will endure”, he added.

Obasanjo criticized the culture of corruption and impunity among African leaders, describing the political landscape as one where those in power “grab everything illegally and corruptly” while dismissing opposition with the phrase, “go to court,” knowing that justice is rarely served.

“It’s not that democracy is failing; democracy is dying,” he warned. “If we are going to prevent its death, we must develop a form of democracy rooted in the African context and content. I hope that we will get to that stage so that democracy, which will deliver, will be the democracy we have in Africa.”

Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1976 to 1979 and later served as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007, continues to be an influential voice on governance and democracy in Africa.

Obasanjo’s remarks highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will ensure democracy serves the interests of the majority rather than a select few.