Obasanjo, Jonathan Want Review Of African Democracy

By Ayodele Oni

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for what he described as “African democracy,” arguing that the continent should consider developing a democratic model that reflects its own historical and political experiences.

He was speaking at the 2026 Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Bauchi.

At the event, chaired by another former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, remarked that “The ballots may be counted, winners declared and governments sworn in, but that is not where democracy ends. In fact, he believes that is where the real test begins.

Obasanjo warned that African democracy was facing serious challenges and could not be protected by elections alone.

He maintained that African countries needed stronger democratic institutions, vibrant political parties and an independent judiciary to prevent the gradual erosion of democratic values.

The dialogue, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, brought together political leaders, former presidents and stakeholders to examine the future of democracy on the continent.

Obasanjo expressed concern about the state of democracy in Africa, arguing that much of what is practised on the continent is essentially Western liberal democracy inherited from colonial rule.

He challenged African leaders and intellectuals to critically examine the existing democratic model and develop systems that take into account the continent’s history, culture and political realities.

His concern was echoed by the founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who argued that democracy cannot survive on the strength of elections alone.

According to Jonathan, democratic decline does not always happen through dramatic events. Sometimes, he said, it begins quietly—with the weakening of institutions, disregard for constitutional norms, abuse of power and the steady loss of public trust.

“When institutions begin to bend, democracy begins to weaken,” was the underlying message from the former president as he urged stakeholders to look beyond the excitement and competition that often accompany elections.

For Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, the conversation must equally move beyond election day.

He stressed that democracy should not be reduced to the casting of ballots every four years, but must be sustained through accountable political parties and a judiciary that is independent, courageous and capable of protecting the rule of law.

A democracy where citizens vote but cannot trust the institutions that govern them, he suggested, risks becoming an exercise in form rather than substance.

Mohammed commended the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation for keeping the annual democracy dialogue alive, describing it as an important platform for conversations around peaceful political transitions, democratic governance and institutional strengthening across Africa.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Mrs. Ann Iyonu, explained why the conversation was necessary.

She said the Foundation was deliberately shifting the focus beyond elections to the institutions and processes that determine what happens after the votes have been counted.