Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a strong and independent judiciary, saying courts must remain impartial and strictly guided by the law to safeguard democracy in Africa.

Jonathan made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Bauchi State, where he spoke on the roles of political parties and the judiciary in strengthening democratic governance.

The former president described the judiciary as the ultimate guardian of constitutional order, stressing the need for it to operate independently of the executive and other arms of government.

“Judicial officers should be fair,” Jonathan said, urging judges to rely on evidence and established principles of justice when handling political and electoral cases.

He expressed concern over the growing reliance on the courts to resolve electoral disputes and determine political matters that, he said, should in some instances be settled by voters or through the internal mechanisms of political parties.

Jonathan said the increasing volume of political litigation, particularly in Nigeria, had heightened concerns about public confidence in the judiciary.

He also urged political parties to strengthen their internal democratic structures and take greater responsibility for the candidates they field for elections.

According to him, credible political parties and an independent judiciary are critical to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring good governance.