Ex-President Obasanjo – Western Democracy Has Failed Nigeria, We Need An Alternative Model

Credit : Sahara Reporters 13th of May, 2025

The former president did not hold back in his critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling its policies corrupt and wasteful.

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that Nigeria must reassess its political system, suggesting that “Western liberal democracy” is failing the country.

He also criticised the Nigeria’s leadership, describing many past and present officeholders as “ill-prepared, satanic, and self-centered.”

Obasanjo accused them of using public office for personal enrichment while leaving the country worse than they met it.

The former Head of State made these remarks in his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”, unveiled as part of his 88th birthday celebrations last week.

In the book, he detailed how many governors and presidents obtained billions of naira in loans before assuming office, believing they could easily repay them from public funds once elected.

“How do you explain the situation of a governor who owed billions before election, yet within two years in office, without running any business, he cleared all his debts?” Obasanjo wrote.

“State resources are captured and appropriated to themselves with a pittance given to staff and associates to silence any potential whistleblowers.”

The former president did not hold back in his critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling its policies corrupt and wasteful.

He specifically condemned the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as an “example of misplaced priorities and corruption.”

“Typical examples of waste and corruption include the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, on which the President has turned deaf ears to protests,” Obasanjo stated.

“Then there is the new Vice President’s residence built at N21billion in a time of economic hardship. What small minds.”

He further argued that Nigeria must reassess its political system, suggesting that Western liberal democracy is failing the country.

Instead, he proposed an alternative model —Afrodemocracy — which he believes would better reflect Africa’s unique history, culture, and governance needs.

“If the West, where liberal democracy originated, complains about its flaws, then we should be wise enough to introspect and develop a system that works for Africa,” he added.