Yemi Osinbajo warns against public tolerance for military coups in Africa

Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that mounting public frustration with democratically elected leaders is creating a dangerous tolerance for military coups across the African continent. Speaking at the third Good Governance Africa Annual Lecture, Osinbajo highlighted how the abuse of power and the deliberate weakening of constitutional institutions by political leaders are undermining democratic stability. He urged governments to address these underlying governance failures to prevent further military interventions and protect the democratic progress made over recent decades. During the lecture, Osinbajo pointed to data from a recent Afrobarometer report, which revealed that 53% of Africans might accept military intervention when elected officials abuse their authority. However, the former Vice President cautioned against interpreting these figures as a genuine preference for military rule. Instead, he argued that the data reflects a desperate outcry for accountability and a rejection of authoritarian tendencies within democratic frameworks. He stressed that when citizens feel their voices are ignored and their institutions are compromised, they become more susceptible to supporting undemocratic alternatives. The discussions at the event underscored the urgent necessity for participatory democracy and the restoration of trust between the state and its citizens. Osinbajo called for an honest reflection on why many African nations are experiencing rising political dissatisfaction. He emphasized that rebuilding public confidence requires more than just holding elections; it necessitates a commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the protection of constitutional safeguards that prevent any single leader from operating above the law. As West and Central Africa grapple with a series of recent coups, Osinbajo’s remarks serve as a critical reminder of the fragility of democratic progress on the continent. The lecture concluded with a call for African leaders to prioritize the needs of their populations over personal political gain. By strengthening accountability mechanisms and ensuring that democratic institutions serve the public interest, governments can effectively safeguard against the threat of military takeovers and foster long-term political stability.