In a striking commentary on the state of governance in Africa, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that democracy has fundamentally failed the continent. Speaking on Monday at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, Obasanjo expressed deep concerns over the effectiveness of democratic systems in delivering tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

"Democracy in Africa has failed," Obasanjo asserted. He explained that the failure stems from the lack of cultural relevance in the current democratic practices, which he argues are heavily influenced by Western ideals rather than reflecting African traditions and values. "In context and content, it is not African. It does not have any aspect of our culture, our way of life, what we stand for, what we believe," he emphasized.

Obasanjo challenged the notion of democracy being synonymous with Western liberal democracy, urging that true governance should align with the historical governance systems that predated colonial rule. "Before the colonial powers arrived, we had forms of government that attended to the needs of our people," he noted. 

Referencing the definition of democracy by the American President Abraham Lincoln as "a government of the people, by the people, for the people," Obasanjo lamented that current political structures fail to uphold these principles. He criticized the evolution of democracy into a representative model that often leaves many individuals marginalized. "Democracy is meant to be a system of government that delivers to all the people, not just a section of the people, not just a few," he argued.

The former president further expressed his concerns regarding the prevailing leadership culture in African nations, accusing leaders of exploiting their positions for personal gain. He pointed out that the current political landscape allows those in power to seize resources "illegally and corruptly," leaving citizens to seek justice through a legal system that may not serve their interests.

In his passionate address, Obasanjo called for a reevaluation of democratic practices in Africa, advocating for a return to governance systems that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the continent's people.