Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that democracy in Africa is under threat, calling for stronger democratic institutions, robust political parties and an independent judiciary capable of upholding the rule of law.
Obasanjo made the call yesterday while speaking at the 2026 Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi.
The dialogue, which had the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, brought together political leaders, academics, civil society actors and other stakeholders to deliberate on the state and future of democracy on the continent.
Obasanjo, who chaired the event, expressed concern over the state of democracy in Africa, arguing that the system practised in most African countries remained largely based on Western liberal democracy inherited from colonial rule.
He challenged African leaders and intellectuals to critically examine the existing model and develop democratic systems that would adequately respond to the continent’s historical, social and political realities.
The former president stressed that the survival of democracy could not depend solely on periodic elections, insisting that institutions responsible for sustaining democratic governance must be strengthened.
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan said elections alone could not sustain democracy, warning that democratic decline often starts with the gradual weakening of institutions, disregard for constitutional norms, abuse of power and declining public confidence.
Jonathan, who is the founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, also questioned the continued description of the continent’s system as “African democracy,” urging stakeholders to consider developing a democratic model suited to Africa’s peculiar historical and political circumstances.
He said the focus of democratic discourse should extend beyond the conduct of elections to the quality and effectiveness of institutions that operate before, during and after elections.
The former president noted that political parties and the judiciary had critical roles to play in ensuring that democratic governance remained accountable and responsive to the people.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said democracy must go beyond election-day rituals, stressing the importance of accountable political parties and an independent and fearless judiciary.
According to him, a judiciary that is insulated from undue influence is essential to the protection of the rule of law, constitutional order and public trust.
Mohammed commended the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation for sustaining its annual democracy dialogue and for contributing to conversations on peaceful political transitions, democratic consolidation and institutional strengthening across Africa.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Mrs Ann Iyonu, said the dialogue was designed to shift attention beyond elections to the institutions and processes that determine whether democracy survives after votes are counted.
Iyonu said the strength of democracy should be measured not only by the frequency of elections but also by the capacity of political institutions to protect citizens’ rights, promote accountability and preserve democratic values.
She stressed the need for sustained engagement among political actors, institutions and citizens to address the challenges confronting democratic governance across the continent.
