President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday welcomed former President Goodluck Jonathan back to the country following his return from Guinea-Bissau, where he had been on an election observation assignment. The meeting took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The visit was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who posted details of the encounter on X. He noted that Jonathan’s mission in Guinea-Bissau had become a matter of concern after the country’s military abruptly seized control, raising questions about his safety.
Jonathan had travelled as head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission to monitor Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process. However, the political atmosphere shifted dramatically when soldiers announced they had taken charge, halted the elections, and sealed the borders.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that Jonathan had been safely evacuated through a special operation. In a statement signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government condemned the developments in the West African nation, describing the move as an unconstitutional change of government that jeopardises democratic stability across the region.
Jonathan’s reception at the Villa signalled his formal return home and highlighted Nigeria’s continued involvement in efforts to promote democratic governance within West Africa.
While speaking after his return, Jonathan characterised the situation in Guinea-Bissau as “a ceremonial coup,” insisting that the country should still proceed with the announcement of election results despite the military’s intervention.
The crisis has continued to attract international attention. Both ECOWAS and the African Union have denounced the coup and subsequently suspended Guinea-Bissau from their activities, calling for a swift restoration of constitutional order.
