Africa must rethink its culture of winner-takes-all democracy — Obasanjo
Former President Obasanjo argues that Africa’s borrowed ‘winner-takes-all’ democracy lacks African context and content, calling for a re-evaluation of the Read More: https://punchng.com/africa-must-rethink-its-culture-of-winner-takes-all-democracy-obasanjo/
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the Western liberal democracy model adopted by many African nations, arguing it lacks African context and breeds a "winner-takes-all" political culture. Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obasanjo likened the Western system borrowed from the monarchy to a dress not made to fit, stating it would not serve Africa's realities.
He explained that the political culture created by this model often disregards losing candidates, likening them to "loving enemies," which leads to their suppression and destruction. Obasanjo also highlighted the importance of diversity in African societies, warning that removing it would result in the creation of separate entities rather than a unified Nigeria.
Furthermore, he lamented the growing influence of money and other forms of inducement in politics and criticized the lack of female representation in Nigerian governance. Obasanjo emphasized that democracy is a continuous process, not a destination, and urged African nations to reassess the Western liberal democracy model by incorporating their history, culture, and values.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
