Jonathan returns to Nigeria after being trapped in coup-hit Guinea-Bissau

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is back in Nigeria after being stranded in Guinea-Bissau during a military takeover while on an election observation mission.

Jonathan touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, late Thursday—about two days after soldiers seized power in the West African nation. He arrived aboard a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft and was received by supporters and government officials.

The former president had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Observation Mission to monitor the presidential and parliamentary elections. His team, alongside AU and ECOWAS observers, was still carrying out its assignment when the coup unfolded, leaving them temporarily stranded and prompting concerns for his safety.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed his wellbeing.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said, adding that he departed on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Ibn Chambas.

The coup occurred on Wednesday when military officers declared “total control” of the country, halted the electoral process and shut the borders. Soldiers detained President Umaro Embalo—who had been the frontrunner in the election—and announced that Army Chief of Staff General Horta N’Tam would lead the nation for one year.

Nigeria Condemns Coup

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Nigeria has harshly condemned the military takeover, calling for the immediate restoration of democratic rule.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly condemns this act of military insurrection, which undermines democratic progress and stability in Guinea-Bissau and the West African region,” Ebienfa said in a statement.

He described the coup as a clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and urged the release of detainees, protection of democratic institutions and reinstatement of constitutional order.