Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained why he returned to Nigeria aboard an Air Côte d’Ivoire aircraft after the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, where he had been leading an election observation mission.
Speaking with journalists on Friday in Abuja, Jonathan expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and regional leaders for their concern during the political upheaval that erupted while he and other African leaders were in Bissau monitoring the polls.
He admitted that he rarely speaks to the media since leaving office but felt compelled to do so “to thank Nigerians for the show of empathy and encouragement.” According to him, reports reaching his team indicated that Nigerians across all divides were worried about their safety after news of the attempted coup broke.
Jonathan also praised President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for their prompt interventions to facilitate his evacuation. He explained that both leaders had arranged aircraft for his return, but Côte d’Ivoire secured landing clearance first due to its closer proximity and established regional ties.
“The Ivorian aircraft was already on the way when we learned that the Nigerian aircraft was preparing to depart, so we asked Nigeria not to bother,” he said. “That is why you saw the picture of me returning on an Ivorian plane. We appreciate both presidents and the Nigerian people for their concern.”
Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau heading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission when violence erupted on November 26, 2025. Heavy gunfire was reported near key government buildings in Bissau, and President Umaro Mbalo initially claimed he had been arrested in a coup. Hours later, a group of military officers calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order” announced on state television that they had seized power and suspended all political institutions.
Amid the uncertainty, Jonathan’s safety became a major concern across the region. He and his delegation eventually returned safely to Nigeria on Thursday.
