Goodluck Jonathan meets President Tinubu after safely returning from Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover during his election observation mission

Former President Goodluck Jonathan met with President Bola Tinubu on Saturday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following his safe return from Guinea-Bissau amid a military takeover.

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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the visit on X, stating: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa on Saturday on Jonathan’s return to Nigeria from Guinea-Bissau.

President Jonathan went to the West African country on an election monitoring mission. There were concerns about his safety following a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau.”

Jonathan had arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after being evacuated from Bissau.

A video of his arrival showed him disembarking from an Ivorian government aircraft and being warmly received by supporters and officials.

The former president had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission for the country’s presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.

His team was still carrying out the observation duties when soldiers announced they had seized control of the government, raising immediate concerns for Jonathan’s safety.

The meeting at the Presidential Villa underscored the importance of dialogue and coordination with the current administration, particularly in the context of regional security and electoral observation efforts.

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Jonathan’s return and subsequent meeting with Tinubu mark a safe conclusion to his diplomatic assignment, offering reassurance about his wellbeing after the tense situation in Guinea-Bissau.