Former African leaders and current political figures are set to gather in Bauchi for the 2026 Democracy Dialogue organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, focusing on the future of democracy across the continent.
The event, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, will bring together Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Scheduled for August 11 at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi, the dialogue will examine the role of political parties, the judiciary and other democratic institutions in sustaining governance beyond elections.
According to the foundation, the choice of Bauchi as host city reflects its historical significance as the home state of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Former President Obasanjo will chair the event, while President Mahama and Vice-President Shettima will serve as special guest of honour and guest of honour respectively. The programme will be hosted by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Other participants include former Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, Ghana’s National Democratic Congress chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Professor Karuti Kanyinga of the University of Nairobi, who will deliver the keynote address.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Ann Iyonu, said the dialogue comes at a time when political parties and judicial institutions across Africa face growing challenges in upholding democratic values.
She said the event aims to explore ways of strengthening democratic resilience, protecting constitutional order and rebuilding citizens’ confidence in governance.
The Democracy Dialogue, according to the foundation, serves as a platform for policy engagement and knowledge exchange, bringing together leaders, scholars and citizens to develop practical solutions for strengthening democracy across Africa.
