Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has thrown his weight behind a movement advocating for Nigeria to transition away from the presidential system of government. In a meeting with 60 members of the House of Representatives in Abuja, Obasanjo stressed the importance of adopting a system that effectively addresses the local needs of Nigerians.
Obasanjo criticized the Western liberal democracy inherited from Nigeria’s colonial past, stating that it has failed to deliver, even to its originators. He urged lawmakers to consider embracing an alternative ‘Afro-democracy’ as a potential solution.
He cautioned against unrealistic expectations, warning that swift fruition of their endeavors could lead to disappointment. Obasanjo emphasized the importance of patience in pursuing such significant changes.
Obasanjo suggested steering away from terms associated with Western parliamentary systems and adopting a name that reflects African heritage to avoid unnecessary opposition.
In response, the leader of the group, Kingsley Chinda, highlighted the burdensome nature of the current presidential system and advocated for a domestically tailored governance framework prioritizing accountability and responsiveness to the people.
Abdussamad Dasuki, spokesperson for the pro-parliamentary lawmakers, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for his support and announced plans for a national dialogue in July to gather diverse perspectives on the proposed model. Additionally, the group intends to organize an essay competition for Nigerian students to further engage with the issue.