Copying foreign political systems doing more harm than good – Bolaji Akinyemi

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Akinyemi Calls for Rethink of Nigeria’s Democratic Model
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Bolaji Akinyemi has suggested that Nigeria may need to reconsider its approach to democracy, arguing that imitating foreign political systems could be detrimental to the nation.
In an interview with Arise News, Akinyemi remarked that Nigeria embraced a democratic model from other countries without adequately tailoring it to align with its unique cultural and societal contexts. He indicated that this misalignment has led to governance challenges.
Akinyemi also highlighted the detrimental impact of an excessive focus on party politics, noting that it hampers national progress. He claimed that politicians often prioritize party interests over collaborative efforts to address pressing issues, thereby impeding development.
The former minister emphasized the necessity for leaders to prioritize Nigeria’s interests above personal ambitions and party affiliations. He advocated for a political system that genuinely reflects the needs of the populace and fosters unity, stability, and growth.
His remarks have reignited discussions on whether Nigeria should reform its democratic framework to better cater to its citizens.





