Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced his support for the movement advocating for Nigeria to abandon the presidential system of government. He emphasized the need for a system that effectively addresses the local needs of Nigerians.
During a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with 60 House of Representatives members pushing for a return to the parliamentary system, Obasanjo expressed his belief that Western liberal democracy had failed to deliver, even in its countries of origin. He urged lawmakers to consider adopting an alternative ‘Afro-democracy’ as a potential solution.
Obasanjo cautioned lawmakers against expecting swift results from their efforts, warning that such optimism could lead to disappointment. He stated, “Our journey began on an unstable foundation – Western liberal democracy. This system, inherited from our colonial past, has fueled our problems. It’s now our responsibility to chart our course. Western liberal democracy introduced the concept of opposition, equating it with enmity. Yet, there’s nothing inherently African about this model. It’s time to redefine our path.”
He highlighted the importance of community and consensus-driven decisions in Nigerian culture. He suggested that if Nigeria recognized that adopting Western liberal democracy was a mistake, there’s no shame in returning to its roots, similar to the prodigal son.
Additionally, Obasanjo advised the group to consider a name that reflects African heritage, steering away from terms associated with Western parliamentary systems to avoid unnecessary opposition. He stressed patience, stating, “Don’t anticipate results overnight,” and affirmed his commitment to the cause, saying, “I will stand by your side; we’re navigating this journey together.”
The leader of the group, and Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, argued that the current presidential system in Nigeria is burdensome. He stated, “It is so difficult for us, as a nation, to make that move that we require with this heavy load on our shoulders, and so we are thinking about how to contribute our quota to this nation.”
Chinda advocated for a domestically tailored system of governance that prioritizes accountability and responsiveness to the people. He proposed a parliamentary-like framework, uniquely crafted to Nigeria’s context, aimed at streamlining governance, fostering responsibility, and enhancing accountability.
Spokesperson for the 60 pro-parliamentary lawmakers, Abdussamad Dasuki, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for accepting their invitation. He announced plans for a national dialogue in early July to gather diverse perspectives on the model. Additionally, the group intends to organize an essay competition for Nigerian students, both domestically and abroad, to further engage with the issue.
