Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a thought-provoking speech at a program organized by the Home Grown Parliamentary System Support Group, shedding light on his perspective on the challenges facing African nations. Speaking at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, Obasanjo made a striking assertion, declaring, “Western liberal democracy is the bane of African problems.”
In his address to the group, which comprises House of Representatives members advocating for a homegrown parliamentary system, Obasanjo challenged conventional notions of democracy imported from the West. He argued that the governance model imposed by colonial powers continues to hinder Africa’s development and exacerbate its socio-political challenges.
Obasanjo’s critique of Western liberal democracy reflects his deep-seated belief in the need for African nations to chart their own course towards progress. He said “Our problems started fron what we inherited from colonial masters.”
He emphasized that blindly emulating Western models of governance overlooks the unique cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts of African societies.
Furthermore, Obasanjo highlighted the absence of a “loyal opposition” in African political landscapes, questioning the applicability of Western democratic norms in the African context. He underscored the importance of fostering political systems that resonate with the values and aspirations of African citizens, rather than adhering to external benchmarks.
The former president’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among African leaders and scholars advocating for indigenous solutions to the continent’s challenges. By challenging the dominance of Western democratic paradigms, Obasanjo’s speech sparks a crucial conversation about the future of governance in Africa and the imperative of embracing authentically African approaches.
Honourable Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, leads the Home Grown Parliamentary System Support Group. Other key leaders include: Abdussamad Dasuki, Kabir Tukura, Abdullahi el-Rasheed, Umar Yusuf Yabo, Esosa Iyawe, Aliyu Aminu Garu, Shehu Dahatu, Abdulmaeek Danga, Ibe Osonwa, Muh’d Shehu, Gwachan Naureen, Joshua Gana, Blessing Amadi, M.B. Jajere, Alam Victor Ogene, Kwamoti Lori, and Tasir Olawale Raji.
