Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, have expressed grave concerns over the state of democracy in Africa and Nigeria. Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja, Obasanjo declared that democracy in Africa was not merely failing but on the verge of extinction. He attributed this decline to its misalignment with African values and realities.

Obi echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy was collapsing due to successive governments undermining the progress made by their predecessors.

However, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, and former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, offered a more optimistic view, describing democracy as a work in progress. Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, cautioned that recent military coups in parts of sub-Saharan Africa threatened democracy’s survival.

Obasanjo questioned whether Africa was genuinely practising democracy or merely adopting a flawed version of Western liberal democracy. “If we are talking about democracy failing in Africa, then democracy in Africa has failed,” he said. “Why has it failed? Because it does not align with our culture, way of life, or beliefs. Before colonial rule, we had systems of governance that catered to the needs of our people—whatever name you call it, that was our democracy.”

Obasanjo criticised the current democratic model for allowing leaders to “grab everything illegally and corruptly” while dismissing citizens’ grievances by telling them to “go to court,” even when justice is unattainable. He advocated for an “Afro Democracy” tailored to Africa’s unique socio-political landscape.

Obi reinforced Obasanjo’s concerns but applied them specifically to Nigeria, stating that democracy had already collapsed in the country. “In 1999, we started laying the foundation for democracy. Some administrations built upon it, while others knocked it down. Today, nothing works,” he lamented.

He shared his personal experience of being reinstated as Anambra State Governor through the courts without having to pay bribes, an occurrence he said was now impossible due to the erosion of democratic integrity. “Back then, President Obasanjo and other leaders intervened to uphold democratic processes. Today, those in power use the presidency to suppress opposition,” Obi added.

On a related issue, Obi criticised the release of withheld federal allocations to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State. In a post on X, he argued that the move violated a Supreme Court ruling that mandated funds be released only after a properly constituted House of Assembly passed an appropriation bill. “What we are witnessing in Rivers State is a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Obi stated. “This sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”

Contrary to Obi and Obasanjo’s assertions, Kukah insisted that democracy remains a work in progress, arguing that its imperfections allow for continuous improvement. Tambuwal concurred, asserting that democracy thrives when its operators adhere to its rules. He also dismissed the Senate’s resolution on a state of emergency in Rivers State, noting that due process was not followed.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors, and former Senate Presidents, who praised Ihedioha’s dedication to public service.