Jonathan, Obasanjo Raise Alarm Over Decline of Democracy in Africa

Our Reporter 

Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday raised concerns over the decline of democracy in Africa, warning that the conduct of regular elections alone was no guarantee of democratic governance.

The two former Nigerian leaders spoke separately at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held in Bauchi, with the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

Jonathan, who founded the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, warned that elections alone could not sustain democracy, stressing the need for stronger democratic institutions and strict adherence to constitutional principles.

He said democratic decline was often preceded by the gradual weakening of institutions, abuse of power, disregard for constitutional norms and declining public confidence in democratic processes.

According to him, African countries require stronger institutions and political structures capable of sustaining democracy beyond periodic elections.

Jonathan stressed that the quality and resilience of democratic governance depended not only on the conduct of elections but also on the capacity of institutions to check abuses of power, enforce accountability and protect constitutional order.

On his part, Obasanjo, who chaired the dialogue, called for stronger democratic institutions, accountable political parties and an independent judiciary as safeguards against democratic setbacks and poor governance.

The former president emphasised the need for political actors and public institutions to uphold democratic values and ensure that the rule of law remained central to governance.

He maintained that the survival of democracy depended on institutions capable of checking the abuse of power and ensuring accountability beyond election periods.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also warned against reducing democracy to election-day activities, arguing that political parties must be accountable while the judiciary must remain strong, independent and fearless in upholding the rule of law.

Mohammed commended the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation for sustaining the annual dialogue, describing it as an important platform for promoting discussions on democratic governance, peaceful transitions and institutional strengthening.

The dialogue brought together political leaders, academics, diplomats and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting democracy across the continent.

The event also featured panel discussions on the future of African democracy and was attended by former Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; as well as political leaders, diplomats, academics and representatives from across Africa.