Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has safely returned to the country after being stuck in Guinea-Bissau during a sudden military takeover.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, arrived at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport late Thursday.
He flew in aboard a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft and was received on the tarmac by supporters and several government officials.
The ex-president had travelled to the country to oversee its presidential and parliamentary elections on behalf of WAEF.
Delegations from the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS were also present when the military seized power, abruptly halting the electoral process.
The coup left Jonathan and other observers unable to leave immediately, sparking concerns about their safety.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, later confirmed that Jonathan was unharmed.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that the former president departed Guinea-Bissau on a special flight along with his team, including diplomat Ibn Chambas.
The military takeover occurred on Wednesday, with officers announcing they had assumed “total control” of the state.
Borders were closed, the elections were suspended, and President Umaro Embaló, considered the frontrunner in the vote, was arrested.
A command structure made up of all branches of the armed forces was declared in charge until further notice.
The following day, the army’s chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, was appointed transitional leader for one year.
The Nigerian government condemned the coup in strong terms, calling it a threat to democratic stability in the region.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ebienfa said the action violated the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which forbids unconstitutional access to power.
Nigeria called for the immediate restoration of democratic order, respect for institutions, and the release of all those detained following the military intervention.
