Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has identified poverty and the inability of citizens to access basic needs as the greatest threats to democracy in Africa. Speaking at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja under the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” Bawumia emphasized that the survival of democracy hinges on addressing the immediate needs of the populace.
Bawumia noted that, despite its imperfections, democracy remains the most viable system of governance due to its ability to guarantee individual rights and freedoms. However, he warned that the “Next Meal” crisis—citizens’ inability to access food—poses a significant danger to its stability.
“Between 2020 and 2023, eight coups d’état occurred in Africa, driven largely by leaders amending constitutions to extend their tenures. Such actions undermine democracy and betray public trust,” he stated. Bawumia further cited data predicting political disruption in 2024, noting that in 60 global elections, incumbents lost 80% of the time due to rising living costs and other post-pandemic challenges.
In his goodwill message, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, echoed Bawumia’s concerns, stating that poverty and insecurity are critical threats to democracy in Africa. Shettima called for innovative solutions to strengthen governance and improve citizens’ welfare. Also speaking at the event, former presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Nigerians to take active roles in the democratic process. He warned against undermining democratic institutions for partisan or ethnic reasons, emphasizing that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people.
“The best democracy is one that delivers public goods and services effectively while ensuring inclusivity. Democracy should not be an end in itself but a means to improve the lives of citizens,” Obi said.
He lamented the erosion of institutional integrity, stating, “When we prioritize ethnic, partisan, or personal interests over competence in institutional appointments, we create structures that reward cronies and pave the way for autocracy.”
Obi also referenced the 2024 World Bank report, which highlights that two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over half of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. He called for a reconfiguration of Africa’s economic systems to prioritize the welfare of the people, particularly ensuring access to basic needs like food. The conference concluded with a collective call for good governance, strong institutions, and inclusive policies to safeguard democracy and improve living standards across the continent.
