Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s foundation is bringing together some of Africa’s biggest political names for a high-level conversation on democracy next week.
The 2026 Democracy Dialogue, themed ‘Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?’, will hold on Tuesday, August 11 at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi.
According to the foundation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the event. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama will attend as special guest of honour, while Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as guest of honour. Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma is also expected.
Hosts for the day are Dr. Goodluck Jonathan himself, chairman of the foundation, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The Royal Father of the Day is the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu.
Other speakers include former Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, Ghana’s NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Professor Karuti Kanyinga of the University of Nairobi, who will deliver the keynote.
The foundation said Bauchi was chosen because it is the home state of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Ann Iyonu, the foundation’s executive director, said the dialogue will focus on how political parties and courts across Africa can be strengthened to protect constitutional order and rebuild public trust. She noted that both institutions are currently struggling to meet expectations as pillars of democracy.
“The Dialogue is designed as a platform for consensus-building, policy engagement, and knowledge exchange,” Iyonu said. “By bringing together past and present leaders alongside citizens, we hope to find practical solutions for strengthening democracy on the continent.”
She added that the discussion reflects Jonathan’s long-held view that “democracy is a communal asset that brings peace and progress.”
