Africa needs to rethink the way democracy is practised on the continent, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said, warning that the current model has encouraged a “winner-takes-all” political culture.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obasanjo argued that the Western-style democracy adopted by many African countries does not fully reflect their history, culture and social realities. He likened the system to a dress made for someone else.
He criticised the practice of treating political opponents as enemies after elections and called for a system that better accommodates diversity. Obasanjo also raised concerns over the growing influence of money in politics, limited female representation and the impact of poverty and illiteracy on democratic development.
The former president said African countries should not simply copy political systems from elsewhere but develop structures that reflect their own values and realities.
The dialogue brought together former President, Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, constitutional experts and civil society representatives to discuss the future of democracy in Africa.
