Goodluck Jonathan visits Aso Rock briefing Tinubu on Guinea-Bissau
Former President Goodluck Jonathan visited the presidential villa at Aso Rock in Abuja on Saturday to brief sitting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the political situation in Guinea-Bissau. The meeting followed Jonathan’s return from Guinea-Bissau, where he led an election-observation mission that was disrupted by a military takeover. PM News Nigeria+2THISDAYLIVE+2
During the closed-door meeting, Jonathan described the upheaval in Guinea-Bissau not as a traditional coup, but as a “ceremonial coup” allegedly orchestrated by the incumbent, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. He told journalists after the visit that the election results had effectively been concluded before the military intervention, and he called on the opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, who was detained, to be released. THISDAYLIVE+2Trust Radio+2
Jonathan urged ECOWAS and other West African stakeholders to engage with the military authorities in Guinea-Bissau through dialogue rather than force, warning that violent intervention could lead to loss of lives. He stressed that constitutional order should be restored and the legitimately elected winner inaugurated. Channels Television+2SolaceBase+2
The meeting underscores Nigeria’s interest in stabilising regional democracy and reflects efforts to ensure West African nations uphold electoral integrity. Observers say the briefing may shape Nigeria’s posture in upcoming ECOWAS discussions on how to respond to the Guinea-Bissau crisis.
