Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, saying the Western model being practiced is not delivering the desired results.
Speaking on Channels TV on Monday, May 19, Agbakoba questioned the sincerity and commitment of Nigerian politicians, accusing many of being more interested in seizing power than serving the people.
I thought things would have improved by now,” he said. “If you go back to 1960, through the military coups and now over 25 years of democracy, something is clearly wrong. The system isn’t working.
Agbakoba argued that the Western democratic model — what he called the Oyibo model — may suit Europe and America but is failing in Nigeria. He called for a serious national conversation about adopting a system better tailored to Nigeria’s unique social, ethnic, and political realities.
Nigerians don’t really care who the president is, he said. “They just want food on the table, quality education, good roads, healthcare, and housing. They want a system that works.
Citing China’s development without practicing Western-style democracy, Agbakoba said Nigeria needs to design its own model that addresses its deep divisions and delivers real governance.
It’s time to ask ourselves: is this system really working for us? he concluded. My answer is no. We must rethink our approach to leadership and governance.