Nigerian presidency criticizes Obasanjo’s stance on western democracy

The Nigerian Presidency has expressed dissatisfaction with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks, criticizing his stance on the applicability of ‘Western liberal democracy’ in Africa. In a keynote address at a forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo advocated for the adoption of ‘Afro-Democracy,’ asserting that the Western model failed to consider Africa’s unique history, culture, and traditions, leading to its ineffectiveness on the continent.

Obasanjo contended that the borrowed style of democracy neglected the views of the majority and pointed out the weaknesses and failures of liberal democracy as practiced in the West, questioning its relevance and deliverability without reform.

In response, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, criticized Obasanjo for challenging the suitability of the Western form of democracy for African countries. Onanuga, addressing journalists, held Obasanjo accountable for Nigeria’s current challenges, asserting that the democracy in place was introduced by Obasanjo during his tenure as the military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and as a civilian President from 1999 to 2007.

“Onanuga argued that Obasanjo, who sought an extension for another four years, introduced the current democratic system to Nigeria in 1979, and his recent criticisms seemed ironic, implying newfound wisdom after leaving office. He also accused Obasanjo of wrongly adopting the presidential system without incorporating its spirit, highlighting attempts to modify the constitution during his presidency.

In essence, the Nigerian Presidency countered Obasanjo’s advocacy for ‘Afro-Democracy,’ attributing the current democratic framework in the country to the former president and questioning the timing and sincerity of his criticisms.