By Isaac Mission
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African countries to develop a democratic system that reflects the continent’s history, culture and socio-economic realities.
Obasanjo made the call on Tuesday in Bauchi while speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue.
The dialogue, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Alone Save African Democracy?”, focused on the challenges confronting democratic governance across the continent.
The former Nigerian president argued that Africa’s current democratic practices were largely adopted from Western models without sufficient consideration for the continent’s unique circumstances.
He said African nations should develop a system that is suited to their own realities rather than attempting to replicate models designed for other societies.
Obasanjo also raised concerns about the increasing influence of the judiciary in electoral matters, questioning whether the decisions of a few judges should be capable of altering mandates given by millions of voters.
He further criticised the way political opposition is perceived in many African countries, noting that the concept of a “loyal opposition” has not been adequately embraced.
According to him, political differences should not automatically translate into hostility between opposing parties and their supporters.
He therefore urged African academics, policymakers and political leaders to work towards an inclusive and Afro-centric democratic framework that promotes good governance, fairness, public welfare and effective representation.
Sambo Calls for Stronger Democratic Institutions
Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who also spoke at the event, urged African political leaders and citizens to demonstrate greater commitment to democratic values.
Sambo identified electoral disputes, political intolerance, institutional weaknesses, corruption, youth unemployment and declining public trust as some of the major challenges affecting democracy on the continent.
He, however, maintained that the challenges should serve as a reason to strengthen democratic institutions rather than abandon the democratic system.
The former vice-president called for institutions capable of conducting credible elections, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring accountability in governance.
He also urged political parties to improve their internal democratic structures, transparency and accountability while developing policies that directly address the needs of citizens.
Sambo advocated a more credible and inclusive process for selecting political candidates, saying party members should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making.
He further called on political parties to move away from personality-driven politics and encourage competition based on ideas, policies and programmes.
According to him, political opponents should be regarded as legitimate participants in the democratic process rather than enemies.
Sambo also urged political leaders to accept electoral outcomes with humility and use constitutional and legal avenues when challenging disputed results.
On the judiciary, he described an independent and impartial judicial system as essential to democracy, particularly in resolving electoral disputes and protecting citizens’ rights.
He said judges must be protected from political interference, intimidation and undue pressure, while also maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
Sambo stressed the importance of resolving electoral cases promptly, warning that prolonged litigation could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
He also advocated greater involvement of young people and women in politics, noting their significant demographic presence across Africa.
