Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for an independent and impartial judiciary, warning that courts must remain faithful to the law to protect democracy in Africa.
Jonathan spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Bauchi State, where he examined the role of political parties and the judiciary in strengthening democratic governance.
The former president said the judiciary, as the final guardian of constitutional order, must be completely separated from the executive and other arms of government.
“Judicial officers should be fair,” Jonathan said, stressing that judges must be guided by evidence and the principles of justice when adjudicating political cases.
He expressed concern over the increasing role of courts in settling electoral disputes and determining issues that, in his view, should sometimes be resolved by voters or political parties.
Jonathan said excessive political litigation, particularly in Nigeria, had raised concerns about public confidence in the judiciary.
He urged political parties to strengthen their internal democracy and take greater responsibility for the candidates they present for elections.
