The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation has announced that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma will participate in its 2026 Democracy Dialogue.
Gatekeepers News reports that the event, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 11, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Bauchi State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the foundation’s Communications Officer, Wealth Ominabo, said the dialogue would explore the role of political parties and the judiciary in strengthening democratic governance across Africa and examine the institutions that sustain democracy beyond the electoral process.
According to the foundation, Bauchi was selected as the host city in recognition of its historical significance as the home state of Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the Dialogue, while President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as the special guest of honour and guest of honour, respectively,” the statement said.
It added that former President Goodluck Jonathan, chairman and founder of the foundation, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed will host the event, while the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
Other participants expected at the dialogue include former Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, Chairman of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Professor Karuti Kanyinga of the University of Kenya and board member of the African Leadership Centre, King’s College London, who will deliver the keynote address.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, the foundation’s Executive Director, Ann Iyonu, said political parties and the judiciary across the continent face increasing challenges in fulfilling their roles as pillars of democratic governance.
She said the dialogue would examine ways to revitalise the institutions to strengthen democratic resilience, safeguard constitutional order and rebuild public trust in governance.
“The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue is designed as a platform for consensus-building, policy engagement, and knowledge exchange,” Iyonu said.
“By bringing together those who have led African nations, managed democratic transitions, and defended constitutional institutions alongside serving leaders and citizens, the Dialogue seeks to foster practical solutions for strengthening democracy across the continent.”
Iyonu added that the initiative reflects the enduring belief of former President Jonathan that “democracy is a communal asset that brings peace and progress.”
