By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concerns that democracy in Africa has failed to deliver on its promises.
According to Obasanjo, democracy is meant to be a system of government that benefits all people, not just a select few. However, he argues that the current state of democracy in Africa resembles a system where a small group wields power over the majority, leaving many deprived of basic necessities.
Standard-Times Correspondent reports that Obasanjo made these remarks during a colloquium marking the 60th birthday of Emeka Ihedioha at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, March 24, 2025. He emphasized that true democracy should empower all citizens, not just a privileged minority. His statements highlight the challenges facing democratic governance in Africa, where many nations struggle with inequality, poverty, and limited access to essential services.
Obasanjo called for a more inclusive and equitable democracy that prioritizes the needs and well-being of all citizens rather than serving only a select few.
Obasanjo in his remarks stated that, “Democracy is meant to be a system of government that delivers—and delivers to all people, not just a section, not just a few. But today, what we have is a representative democracy that serves a small number of people at the expense of the majority, who are deprived of their basic needs. If we are talking about democracy failing in Africa, then democracy in Africa has indeed failed.”
He underscored the need for African countries to reassess their democratic systems and work toward building more just and equitable societies.
Standard-Times further reports that following Obasanjo’s speech, Labour Party presidential candidate in the last general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent figures issued a clarion call for urgent action to rescue Africa’s failing democracy. These leaders emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the continent’s democratic challenges.
In his keynote address, Bishop Kukah lamented that Nigeria’s democracy has failed to deliver on its promises, citing the country’s leadership crisis as a major obstacle. He stressed that true leadership is about positively influencing citizens, not just holding office.
Meanwhile, the celebrant, His Excellency Emeka Ihedioha, in his closing remarks, acknowledged all the dignitaries present, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Katsina State Governor His Excellency Aminu Bello Masari, former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and Senator David Mark, among others.
Ihedioha humorously declared that he and democracy are inseparable—”till death do us part”—and urged all Nigerians to defend democracy and its institutions for the betterment of the nation and its citizens.
