Former President Obasanjo Calls for Unity in Diversity to Strengthen Democracy

Alhassan Bauchi

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need to strengthen the nation’s diversity and nurture it for unity and democratic values.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was speaking during the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democratic Dialogue held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said unity is non-negotiable if Nigeria is to live in peace and fully enjoy the dividends of democracy, urging Nigerians across all divides to embrace togetherness and work collectively for the stability and progress of the country.

On the issue of the independence of the judicial system and the electoral process in the country, the former President warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces a grave crisis driven by the erosion of judicial independence and electoral credibility, noting that true democracy requires an independent judiciary.

“Of what need is judiciary in government making? What purpose does it serve that when millions of people have voted, then five people will come to decide either in favour or against the decision of millions of people? Is that democracy? It cannot be democracy. And if that cannot be democracy, what is the judiciary role in democracy?

Also speaking, Research Professor of Development Studies at IDS, University of Nairobi, Kenya, Professor Karuti Kanyinga, commended the GJF Democracy Dialogue. He called on African leaders to rethink policies with a view to lifting millions of Africans out of poverty to prevent unnecessary migration to European countries in search of greener pastures.

Professor Kanyinga noted that since the African continent gained independence in the sixties, several elections have been held year in, year out. But key areas of democratic dividends still remain unaddressed.

He argued that elections in Africa fail because those elected intoe political offices disappear from their constituencies. He described this as a major reason behind the failure to meet the goals and aspirations of the African people.

“We have elections almost every other four or five years across Africa, but it is a pity that even with all these elections we have not eradicated poverty on the continent. We are indicted,” he said.

The annual dialogue, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, continues to serve as a major national forum for serving and former leaders to address critical challenges undermining democratic governance in Nigeria.

The high-profile event drew key political figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, serving and former governors, former vice presidents, traditional rulers and other invited guests from within and outside the country.