Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a reassessment of the country’s political system, arguing that “Western liberal democracy” is failing Nigeria.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, unveiled during his 88th birthday celebrations last week, Obasanjo criticized past and present leaders, describing many as “ill-prepared, satanic, and self-centered.”
He accused them of using public office for personal enrichment while leaving the country in worse conditions.
“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.
He alleged that state resources were being misappropriated, with a fraction distributed among associates to prevent whistleblowing.
Obasanjo also took aim at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing its policies as corrupt and wasteful.
He specifically condemned the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it 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,” he stated.
He further criticized the construction of a new Vice President’s residence at a reported cost of N21 billion, calling it an unnecessary expenditure in a time of economic hardship.
The former president argued that Nigeria must move away from Western liberal democracy and develop a system better suited to its governance needs.
He proposed an alternative model, which he termed Afrodemocracy, emphasizing that Africa should adopt a political framework that aligns with its history and culture.
“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,” Obasanjo wrote.
His remarks have sparked debate over the country’s governance structure, as calls for political and economic reforms continue to grow.
