Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a shift in the approach to political action in developing countries, arguing that while protests are valuable, they must ultimately lead to tangible change rather than merely serving as a momentary release of frustration.
Speaking at the Technology, New Media, Citizens, and Governance Conference in Gbagada, Lagos, Osinbajo discussed the evolving role of technology in political engagement across Africa.
The conference, themed “Technology: The Present and Future of Political Action in Africa,” was organized by Enough is Enough (EiE) and BudgIT. In his keynote address, “Technology as a Catalyst for Political Action in Africa,” Osinbajo explored how social media has empowered young Africans to mobilize for social justice, citing recent protests in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia as examples of technology’s potential to drive political action.
While acknowledging the crucial role social media plays in enabling public expression and organizing protests, Osinbajo emphasized the need for these platforms to regulate themselves to avoid governmental overreach that might infringe on free speech. “Social media allows everyone, from the powerful to the powerless, to voice their opinions, whether constructive or not,” he said. “It is vital that these platforms regulate themselves to prevent the misuse of power and the stifling of discourse.”
Osinbajo cautioned that political action in fragile economies and developing nations cannot be limited to the excitement of protests alone. He pointed out that for those living in poverty, every day of protest represents a significant loss. “In our societies, people who rely on daily earnings are the most affected by protests,” he noted. “Political action must not be a mere performance; it must result in tangible improvements.”
The former vice president argued that real political change requires more than just public demonstrations. “Protests should be a step toward finding solutions to the problems that hold our societies back,” he said. “Political action must have direction and purpose. It must drive us closer to solving the fundamental issues, rather than just creating temporary distractions.”
Osinbajo also spoke about the importance of active political participation for achieving the deep reforms that developing countries need. He challenged the common belief that avoiding politics ensures purity and objectivity, stressing that such an attitude can prevent meaningful change. “Change at scale can only be achieved through engaging with the political system,” he argued. “Advocacy and pressure groups can bring some changes, but to make the systemic improvements required, one must be willing to engage in the political process.”
Reflecting on his own experience in governance, Osinbajo recalled how, as Attorney-General of Lagos in 1999, he was able to implement significant reforms in the justice sector. “Before entering politics, my calls for reform were limited in scope and impact,” he shared. “It was only when I became part of the political system that I could push through real, systemic changes.”
In closing, Osinbajo underscored that political action in developing nations must be purposeful and strategic, with the ultimate goal of addressing the root causes of societal challenges and driving genuine, sustainable change.
