Rising Support for Military Rule in West Africa Analyzed

Experts have identified a growing support for military rule in West Africa, citing factors such as poor governance, economic missteps, and the influence of misinformation. During a keynote address at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim discussed Nigeria's stalled development trajectory, criticizing the shift from state-led economic plans to market-driven policies that have failed to deliver inclusive growth.

He emphasized that Nigeria's persistent poverty crisis stems from an inability to sustain people-centered development. Dr.

Dauda Garuba, director at CDD West Africa, noted that misinformation, particularly on social media, has destabilized democratic systems and legitimized military takeovers in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Egghead Odewol challenged the notion that infrastructure alone defines democratic success, warning that declining security limits citizen participation in elections and weakens democratic accountability.

The experts concluded that the perception of military rule as a viable alternative is growing, emphasizing the need for a deeper commitment to democracy beyond electoral periods.