The Presidency, in response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of Nigeria’s democracy, lays blame on him for the current state of the system.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that the democracy in Nigeria today originated from Obasanjo’s direct influence during his military and civilian leadership.
Onanuga points out that Obasanjo played a key role in adopting the current democratic model in 1979, and despite later criticisms, he continued to support it during his eight-year presidency.
The Special Adviser dismisses Obasanjo’s post-presidential stance, stating that it seems like he is gaining wisdom after leaving office.
The response comes after Obasanjo criticized Western liberal democracy, suggesting that it does not suit Africa’s needs. He proposed an “Afro democracy” tailored to the continent’s unique history and complexities.
Obasanjo argued that the weakness of liberal democracy lies in its failure to consider African history and multicultural realities.
In contrast, the Presidency contends that Obasanjo should advocate for a return to the parliamentary system if he truly believes in his current views.
Onanuga criticizes Obasanjo’s past implementation of the presidential system, asserting that he copied the structure but not the spirit of it.
The response questions Obasanjo’s role in the adoption of the American-style democracy over the parliamentary system practiced before.
