The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has stated that Nigeria must reconsider its current presidential system of government, insisting that the system is not suitable for the country.
Speaking to journalists, Cole expressed concern that many African countries, including Nigeria, have adopted political systems that do not align with their cultural and historical realities.
“This American-style presidential system we’ve adopted in Nigeria needs to be re-evaluated,” he said. “We can’t simply import the UK’s parliamentary model or the US presidential model and expect them to function effectively here. These systems are not reflective of who we are as a people.”
Cole pointed out that across Africa, there is widespread dissatisfaction with existing political frameworks. “Ask any African if they are truly content with the democratic systems in place in their countries, and the answer is often no. That’s because these systems clash with our cultural identity,” he added.
He argued that successful nations around the world have developed governance models tailored to their specific contexts. Citing examples like China and several Arab nations, Cole noted that these countries have thrived by rejecting Western political templates and building systems grounded in their own traditions.
He stressed that Nigeria once had functional indigenous political structures before the colonial era and should consider revisiting those foundations. “We had established political systems before colonization and during the slave trade era. Why are we abandoning our roots? We know what works for us,” he said.
Cole further criticized the current presidential system for enabling abuse of power by a few individuals and failing to support the development of strong, accountable institutions. He argued that Nigeria is attempting to build institutions based on the British model, which, in his view, does not align with the nation’s cultural context.
He concluded by urging political leaders and policymakers to design a uniquely Nigerian system of governance one that draws from the country’s history, values, and social structure to ensure stability, accountability, and long-term development.
