Ex-VP, Osinbajo raises alarm over hardship, corruption undermining Africa’s democracy

From Yagana Ali, Yola

The former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that economic hardship, corruption and declining public confidence in government are undermining democracy across Africa, urging political leaders to make citizens’ welfare the central focus of governance.

Osinbajo gave the warning on Tuesday while delivering a public lecture titled “Democracy and Development: The Imperative of People-Centred Governance” at the Government House, Yola, as part of activities marking the 59th birthday of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

He argued that democracy could not be sustained by elections alone, stressing that citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions depended largely on the ability of elected governments to address pressing economic and social challenges.

The former vice president identified unemployment, rising living costs, inequality, corruption and poor living conditions as major factors fueling dissatisfaction with democratic governance across the continent.

According to him, the widening gap between Africans’ preference for democracy and their satisfaction with its actual performance should serve as a wake-up call to political leaders at all levels.

Osinbajo maintained that citizens expected more than the opportunity to cast their ballots during elections, insisting that democratic governance must translate into tangible benefits, including accessible healthcare, quality education, economic opportunities, social protection and improved living standards.

He called on African governments to strengthen accountability, promote citizens’ participation in decision-making and establish effective mechanisms for measuring public-sector performance.

He also warned that corruption, electoral irregularities and disregard for the rule of law could further erode public trust in democratic institutions, particularly among young people who increasingly expect governments to respond to their aspirations.

Citing Nigeria’s declining voter turnout in recent general elections, Osinbajo noted that participation fell from approximately 44 per cent in 2015 to 35 per cent in 2019 and 27 per cent in 2023.

He said the trend underscored the urgency of rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process and demonstrating that democratic participation could produce meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.

Osinbajo commended Governor Fintiri for using his birthday celebration as an opportunity to stimulate discussions on democracy, leadership and development rather than focusing exclusively on personal festivities.

He described such engagements as important platforms for reflecting on the responsibilities of public office holders and examining how political leadership could deliver better outcomes for the people.

In his remarks, Fintiri said birthdays should provide opportunities to thank God, reflect on personal achievements and consider an individual’s contributions to societal development.

The governor explained that the decision to organize a public lecture was informed by the need to encourage meaningful conversations about democracy, leadership and the responsibilities associated with public office.

He maintained that the quality of governance should be measured by its impact on citizens’ welfare and its ability to create sustainable opportunities for future generations.

Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Adamawa State, stressing that public office should be used to address citizens’ needs and promote inclusive growth.

He also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office, saying the initiative would focus on scholarships and other forms of assistance for vulnerable members of society.

According to him, the proposed foundation would provide an avenue to continue contributing to the welfare of the people beyond his tenure as governor.

Earlier, Taraba State Governor and chairman of the occasion, Dr Agbu Kefas, urged political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect citizens’ rights and create an environment where people could express their opinions without fear of intimidation.

Kefas cautioned against the use of public resources and government institutions to suppress opposing voices, stressing that democracy depended on citizens’ ability to choose their leaders freely, hold them accountable and pursue political change through peaceful means.

He said constructive criticism and respect for divergent opinions were essential to democratic governance, urging leaders to regard dissent as an integral part of the democratic process rather than a threat to their authority.

The Taraba governor also called for stronger cooperation between Adamawa and Taraba states, particularly in security, peacebuilding and regional development, noting that collaboration between neighbouring states could improve living conditions for their residents.

Also speaking, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, emphasised the importance of effective communication between governments and citizens in strengthening democratic participation and public understanding of government policies.

Jibrin observed that citizens were more likely to participate meaningfully in governance when public institutions communicated their policies clearly and provided opportunities for feedback.

He identified population growth as a major challenge confronting governments in the provision of essential services, including education, healthcare, employment and infrastructure.

The senator also attributed part of the rising cost of living to global economic disruptions, including international conflicts that have affected commodity prices and increased production costs.

He stressed the need for governments to consider both domestic challenges and international economic developments when designing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

The event featured a panel discussion on democracy and people-centred governance, during which participants examined challenges confronting democratic institutions and explored practical approaches to promoting inclusive development.

The discussion provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the relationship between effective leadership, public accountability and the delivery of democratic dividends.

Dignitaries at the event included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), governors of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Kano states, traditional rulers and other prominent personalities from across the country.

The gathering brought together political leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on the importance of placing citizens’ welfare, democratic participation and sustainable development at the heart of public policy.