Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has ignited a fresh debate on governance across the continent, declaring that Africa is yet to practice a truly indigenous form of democracy, arguing that what exists today is a Western liberal model imposed during colonial rule and ill-suited to African realities.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Tuesday in Bauchi during the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, a gathering that brought together former leaders, jurists, academics, political actors and development experts to assess the state of democracy in Africa.

The event, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, focused on the theme: “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

The former Nigerian leader did not mince words as he challenged the foundations of democratic governance across the continent, insisting that African nations merely inherited and adopted Western liberal democracy without adapting it to local realities.

According to him, Africa continues to operate a political system designed by colonial powers, raising questions about whether it has truly delivered good governance, inclusiveness and development for ordinary citizens.

“There is no African democracy,” Obasanjo said. “What we have is a borrowed system that was handed to us by colonial masters, and we accepted it wholesale. The critical question is whether it has delivered for our people or whether it can ever fully address Africa’s unique realities.”

He argued that genuine democracy should be measured by its ability to improve citizens’ welfare, ensure justice, protect lives and property, guarantee equity, and create a sense of belonging for all groups within a nation.

Obasanjo Questions Judiciary’s Expanding Role

In one of the most provocative moments of the dialogue, Obasanjo questioned the growing influence of courts in determining electoral outcomes, asking whether democracy was truly being served when a handful of judges could overturn the choices of millions of voters.

He argued that excessive judicial intervention in political contests had become a major point of concern, stressing that democracy should fundamentally reflect the will of the people.

The former president also criticised the winner-takes-all nature of African politics, warning that it fuels division, marginalisation and political hostility in societies already characterised by ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.

According to him, many African countries have failed to effectively manage diversity within their democratic systems, thereby weakening national cohesion and public trust in governance.

Jonathan Calls for Reduced Presidential Powers

Former President Goodluck Jonathan echoed concerns about Africa’s democratic trajectory, urging governments across the continent to rethink governance structures that place enormous authority in the hands of a single individual.

Jonathan warned that concentrating power in the presidency has often undermined accountability, encouraged political tension and slowed development.

He advocated a broader conversation on alternative governance models that encourage power-sharing and collective decision-making.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Switzerland, Jonathan argued that systems built around consensus and strong institutions tend to produce greater stability and economic progress.

He suggested that African nations may need to revisit aspects of the parliamentary system inherited at independence, where executive authority was distributed rather than concentrated in one office.

According to him, dividing responsibilities between multiple centres of authority could reduce abuse of power and strengthen democratic governance.

Peter Obi: Nigeria’s Democracy Under Threat

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, also delivered a scathing assessment of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary.

Obi lamented what he described as the steady erosion of public confidence in elections and the courts, arguing that democratic institutions that once inspired trust are increasingly losing credibility.

Reflecting on his legal battles following previous elections, Obi recalled how court judgments delivered by judges he had never met helped restore his mandate, describing those decisions as examples of judicial independence.

He expressed concern that such outcomes would be difficult to imagine in today’s political climate.

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The former Anambra State governor accused politicians, sections of the political elite and key institutions of enabling electoral malpractice and weakening democratic accountability.

According to him, Nigeria must urgently confront the direction of its democracy before future generations inherit a broken system.

Court of Appeal President Seeks Stronger Institutions

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, represented by Justice Monsurat Bolaji Yusuf, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between political parties and the judiciary.

She maintained that democracy can only thrive where institutions remain independent, constitutional principles are respected and disputes are resolved peacefully through legal processes.

The appellate court president described political parties as essential vehicles for citizen participation and leadership recruitment, while portraying the judiciary as the neutral guardian of constitutional order.

Bayelsa Governor Pushes for True Federalism

Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, shifted the conversation toward Nigeria’s federal structure, arguing that democracy cannot flourish in an environment marked by perceived injustice and unequal distribution of resources.

The governor cited the long-standing developmental challenges faced by oil-producing communities despite their contribution to the national economy, describing the situation as evidence of structural imbalance.

Diri insisted that Nigeria’s democratic project would remain incomplete without genuine federalism that gives greater control and benefits to federating units.

According to him, many of the tensions currently confronting the country stem from unresolved questions of fairness, equity and resource control.

Scholar Warns Democracy Being Hollowed Out

Adding an academic perspective to the debate, Kenyan development scholar Prof. Karuti Kanyinga warned that democracy across Africa is gradually being weakened from within.

The University of Nairobi professor argued that ruling and opposition parties increasingly appear indistinguishable, often driven more by access to power and resources than by ideology or policy differences.

Kanyinga said the soaring cost of elections across the continent has forced many politicians into dependence on wealthy private interests, creating opportunities for policy capture once they assume office.

He cited examples from Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia, warning that the influence of money in politics continues to threaten democratic accountability and effective governance.

Labour Party Chairman Praises Jonathan’s Democratic Legacy

Meanwhile, Labour Party National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, called on politicians preparing for future elections to embrace peaceful and responsible political conduct.

She praised Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election, describing it as one of the most significant democratic sacrifices in Nigeria’s history.

According to Usman, Jonathan’s action helped preserve national stability at a critical moment and demonstrated that political ambition should never outweigh the peace and unity of the country.

She urged political leaders to place national interest above personal gain as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Growing Debate Over Africa’s Democratic Future

The Bauchi dialogue ultimately exposed growing concerns among African leaders and experts about the effectiveness of current democratic structures on the continent.

While opinions differed on the solutions, participants broadly agreed that strengthening institutions, ensuring accountability, promoting inclusion and adapting governance systems to Africa’s realities will be critical to the future of democracy across the continent.

The discussions also underscored a common message: elections alone are not enough. Without strong institutions, credible leadership and meaningful reforms, many believe Africa's democratic promise may remain unfulfilled.