Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the adoption of western liberal democracy by African nations, including Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja with members of the House of Representatives advocating for a shift to a parliamentary system, Mr. Obasanjo expressed that such a system is not congruent with African values.
The group, known as the “Parliamentary Group,” led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, met with Mr. Obasanjo to garner support for transitioning from the presidential to a parliamentary system. Mr. Obasanjo, who oversaw the adoption of the American presidential system in 1979, now believes that a fundamental change is necessary.
Mr. Obasanjo urged the lawmakers to seek a homegrown form of governance, which he tentatively termed ‘afro-democracy,’ reflecting African traditions and values rather than opposition-based western structures.
The Parliamentary Group is organizing a national dialogue on July 1st to further discuss this transition. They aim to revert to a system akin to the First Republic’s, with a prime minister accountable to the legislature, fostering efficient governance.
