The Nigerian Presidency has sharply criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to critique the country’s democratic system and governance.
This came after Obasanjo recently called for a review of Western-style liberal democracy, suggesting it has failed to provide good governance for Africa. He proposed an “Afro democracy,” tailored to the continent’s unique historical and socio-political needs, emphasizing that imported governance models from the West are often unsuitable for Africa.
The Presidency responded by highlighting Obasanjo’s role in shaping Nigeria’s current democratic model. Officials pointed out that during his tenure as both a military ruler and a civilian president, Obasanjo endorsed the adoption of the expensive presidential system rather than reverting to the British-inherited parliamentary system. The Presidency further accused him of hypocrisy, suggesting he is criticizing a governance system that he was instrumental in implementing.
Additionally, the Presidency referred to unresolved controversies from Obasanjo’s time in office, such as allegations of corruption and the lack of infrastructure development, despite significant investments. For instance, the $16 billion spent on the power sector during his administration was cited as a major failure. Critics argued that such legacy issues undermine his credibility when commenting on governance today .
The exchange between the Presidency and Obasanjo highlights broader debates over governance systems in Africa, the suitability of Western democratic models, and the legacy of past administrations. The conversation reflects ongoing tensions between current and former leaders regarding accountability and progress in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
