The former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan has safely returned to Nigeria after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau, where a sudden military takeover stranded him and his delegation.
Jonathan, who was in the West African nation leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the evening of Thursday, 27th November. Video footage from his arrival showed the former president disembarking from a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft, where he was received by Nigerian officials and supporters.
The crisis began on Wednesday when military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced total control of the government. The coup leaders suspended the nation’s ongoing electoral process, which Jonathan’s team was monitoring following last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections, and declared they would be in control “until further notice.”
The situation raised alarms in Abuja, with the House of Representatives urging the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic action to ensure Jonathan’s safe return after reports emerged that he was stranded.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the successful evacuation in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Ebienfa stated. “He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
Recall that on Monday, 24th November, Guinea–Bissau was overturned by chaos after President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and Fernando Dias, his main opponent, both declared victory in the country’s election even though the electoral commission had not released official results.
As the country awaited official results, both sides claimed that their contenders exceeded the 50 percent threshold needed to win outright, eliminating the need for a run-off.
The Nigerian government has condemned the coup and pledged to collaborate with international partners to ensure the “swift return” to constitutional order and normality in Guinea-Bissau.