)President of Ghana, John Mahama, Nigeria’s Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, other African leaders and democracy advocates are expected to attend the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) 2026 “democracy dialogue” in Bauchi State.
GJF Media Officer, Mr Wealth Ominabo said this in statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Ominabo also listed former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Sierra Leonean President, Dr Ernest Koroma, as some of the dignitaries excepted at the programme.
The dialogue with the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?” is scheduled to take place on Aug. 11 at the International Conference Centre, Bauchi.
According to Ominabo, the 2026 edition of the GJF flagship democracy dialogue will examine the role of political parties and the judiciary in safeguarding democracy across Africa.
He said that the event would examine the institutions that sustain democracy beyond the electoral process.
He said that the choice of Bauchi State, the home of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, as the venue underscored the state’s historic significance in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Ominabo said that while Obasanjo would chair the dialogue, Mahama would serve as the special guest of honour and Shettima as guest of honour.
He also said that the Chairman and Founder of GJF, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, would host the event.
According to him, the keynote address will be delivered by a Board Member, African leadership Centre, Kings College London, Prof. Karuti Kanyinga.
“The Royal Father of the Day is Dr Rilwanu Adamu, the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Emirs and Traditional Rulers.
“Other distinguished participants include former Supreme Court Justice, Amina Augie, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of Ghana, Johnson Nketia,” he said.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Ms Ann Iyonu, spoke on the significance of the theme.
Iyonu said that political parties and the judiciary across the continent were increasingly challenged in fulfilling their responsibilities as pillars of democratic governance.
She said that the dialogue would interrogate how these critical institutions could be renewed to strengthen democratic resilience, protect constitutional order and restore citizens’ confidence in governance.
According to her, a major highlight of this year’s dialogue will be a fireside chat featuring political leaders and senior jurists who have navigated the complexities of governance, democratic transitions and constitutional leadership.
She said that the interactive session would provide a rare opportunity for candid conversations between experienced statesmen, young leaders, scholars and civic actors, generating practical insights that extend beyond formal speeches and official communiqués.
Iyonu said that, unlike conventional governance conferences, the GJF Democracy Dialogue was designed as a platform for consensus-building, policy engagement and knowledge exchange.
“The dialogue seeks to foster practical solutions for strengthening democracy across the continent.
“This is by bringing together those who have led African nations, managed democratic transitions and defended constitutional institutions alongside serving leaders and citizens,” she said.
She said that the vision reflected the enduring belief of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had consistently maintained that democracy is a communal asset that brings peace and progress.
“It requires collective action and consensus-building by all stakeholders to safeguard it.”
She said that the foundation believed that Africa’s democratic renewal would be driven by credible elections, and also by strong institutions, active citizenship and sustained dialogue that promotes accountability, transparency and good governance.(NAN)
