Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged governments across Africa to renew their social contract with citizens, insisting that democracy must go beyond elections to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Osinbajo made the call while delivering a public lecture at the 59th birthday celebration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in Yola.

Speaking on the theme; Democracy and development: rethinking the leadership question in Nigeria, Osinbajo warned that the gap between citizens’ expectations and democratic performance was eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

Citing survey data, the former vice president said 64 per cent of Africans preferred democracy to other forms of government, but only 38 per cent were satisfied with how it worked in their countries. He attributed the declining confidence partly to the perception that governments served the wealthy rather than the majority.

Osinbajo identified population growth, climate change and artificial intelligence as major challenges that would test democracy’s capacity to deliver prosperity. He called for people-centered governance that prioritised the welfare of the poorest citizens, warning that failure to meet public expectations could weaken democracy, particularly among young people.

In his remarks, Governor Fintiri said his administration had recorded significant infrastructure development despite limited resources. He also announced plans to establish the Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Foundation after leaving office to provide scholarships and support for vulnerable people, while promoting unity among Adamawa’s more than 80 ethnic groups.

Fintiri said his birthday offered an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and contributions to society. He credited a 2019 conversation with Osinbajo, when he was a vice president, which challenged him to address Yola’s infrastructure deficits, particularly the absence of flyovers to ease traffic congestion.

Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Barau Jibrin identified poor communication between government and citizens as a major challenge to democratic governance. He noted that the use of technical terms to explain policies often prevented citizens from understanding government interventions and how they could improve their lives.

In their goodwill messages, the Northern governors forum, Adamawa state Council of Emirs and chiefs, religious leaders and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, commended Fintiri’s leadership, infrastructure, and commitment to peace and development, while stressing the importance of electing competent leaders. They wished him continued good health and wisdom.

Governor Fintiri also donated over ₦50 million to settle medical bills for indigent patients at two major hospitals in Yola as part of activities marking his birthday celebration, demonstrating his commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens and easing the financial burden of healthcare for those in need.

From Joy Dennis, Yola