Democratic Coup in Africa: A Threat to Democratic Development

Strategic Insights -

African countries, including Nigeria, have seen the prevalence of democratic coups, where politicians rig elections to consolidate power. This phenomenon has led to the production of "sit-tight" presidents, undermining the democratic process. Prof. Toyin Falola, a foremost historian and professor of African Studies, warned that such actions are a form of civilian coup, where politicians reproduce themselves in power through illegal means.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prof. Toyin Falola described rigging of elections by politicians as a democratic coup, emphasizing that it undermines the democratic process and leads to the production of "sit-tight" presidents.
  • In Nigeria, politicians have reproduced themselves in power through illegal means, leading to the failure of democracy and resentment among citizens.
  • The idea of one family or few individuals capturing political power in Africa is problematic, as seen in cases such as Uganda and Gabon, where state capture occurs, and politicians appoint their men into key institutions to consolidate power.
  • The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that economic democracy is essential for true democracy, highlighting that a democracy that tolerates the pillaging of national wealth by a few is a mere shadow of democracy.
  • Ajaero called for a democracy that works for the majority and not for the few, which is necessary for meaningful development and economic democracy.
  • The Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance aims to promote democratic principles and good governance in Africa, with the support of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labour organizations.

Statistics:

  • 3 West African countries have seen the rise of military leaders due to the failure of democracy.
  • 1 family or few individuals in Africa capture political power, leading to state capture and consolidation of power.
  • NLC President, Joe Ajaero, called for a democracy that works for the majority, highlighting that the party in power should not capture the institutions of the country.

Sources:

  • Toyin Falola, "Democracy and the Dynamics of Development in Africa" lecture at the Yaba College of Technology maiden lecture series of the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance.
  • Joe Ajaero, NLC President, remarks at the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance.
  • Hassan Sunmonu, remarks at the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance.
  • Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), "Building a Democracy that Works for the Majority" statement.