Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi have called for major reforms to Nigeria’s democratic institutions. They spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi. The event focused on the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”
Obasanjo calls for African democracy model
Obasanjo, who chaired the event, criticised the Western model of democracy adopted by many African countries. He said the system does not fully reflect Africa’s history, culture and values. He also criticised the “winner-takes-all” approach to elections.
“The democracy we practise has no African context, no African content, and if you try to use what is not meant for you to serve your purpose, it is like a dress for which you are not measured.”
The former President said the first-past-the-post system allows a candidate who wins by a small margin to take total control.
“In practice, we have winner takes all, first past the post. If you beat me by one vote, then you take it all and whatever I have does not matter.”
Obasanjo also warned that political opponents are often treated as enemies rather than partners in governance.
“So, what do you do with your enemy? You crush him and destroy him, and that is what we have.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity must remain central to its political system.
“Nigeria is what it is because of our diversity. Remove diversity out of Nigeria, you will probably have the Republic of Oduduwa; that will not be Nigeria. Or the Republic of Danfodio; that will not be Nigeria. That diversity must be nourished and be taken care of.”
Obasanjo also raised concerns about the growing influence of money in politics and the limited participation of women in governance. He urged African countries to develop democratic systems that reflect their own history, culture and values.
“Call it what you like, just make sure it has history, culture and values that are African. You can call it democracy if you like, you can call it African democracy.”
Obi alleges institutional decay
Obi also criticised Nigeria’s democratic institutions and accused some academics, lawmakers, lawyers, religious leaders and judicial officers of contributing to their decline. He recalled challenging his election at the Court of Appeal and said five judges ruled in his favour.
“I went to the Court of Appeal; five judges I had never met gave judgment in my favour. So, look at that and look at what is happening today in Nigeria, where professors are now aiding illiterates to rig elections.”
The former Anambra State governor also criticised changes to electoral laws and the conduct of some legal practitioners.
“Where lawmakers have removed forgery as an offence in electoral matters, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are defending forgery. Our religious leaders are now praying for criminal politicians for blessing. We have a crisis.”
He also expressed concern over the judiciary and alleged that some judges had become politically aligned.
“And above all, our judges are now singing, ‘On your mandate we stand.”
Labour Party urges peaceful politics
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, urged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to follow former President Goodluck Jonathan’s example during the 2015 election. Usman said Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat helped Nigeria avoid a major political crisis.
“Nigeria’s democracy survived the doomsday predictions of bookmakers in 2015 because Jonathan conceded defeat in that year’s election, even before the final votes were tallied.”
She urged politicians to place national interest above personal ambition and avoid statements that could threaten national stability. Usman also described the Labour Party as Nigeria’s most structured opposition party.
“With the combined strength of the NLC and the TUC, both of which are constitutional members of the party, no Nigerian political party is better positioned to show the APC government the exit door than the Labour Party.”
The dialogue brought together political leaders, constitutional experts and civil society representatives to discuss ways to strengthen democracy and prevent democratic reversals in Africa.
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