Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to the country and held a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday.
His visit came shortly after his trip to Guinea-Bissau, where he served as head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission.
The meeting, which took place behind closed doors, followed heightened concerns over Jonathan’s safety earlier in the week after tensions escalated in Guinea-Bissau.
His delegation had travelled to the West African nation to monitor its electoral process before an unexpected military intervention threw the country into uncertainty.
Jonathan’s presence became a source of national concern when soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announced that they had taken “total control” of state institutions.
The announcement, accompanied by border closures and the suspension of electoral activities, created confusion and raised fears about the safety of foreign observers.
Before leaving Bissau, Jonathan was safely evacuated through a special arrangement facilitated by Nigerian authorities.
The Federal Government had earlier confirmed his evacuation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s clear opposition to what was described as an “unconstitutional change of government” in the neighbouring state.
Officials noted that any disruption to democratic processes in the region threatens West Africa’s fragile security architecture.
Upon his arrival in Abuja, Jonathan headed straight to the Presidential Villa to brief President Tinubu on the situation on the ground and the outcomes of his observation mission.
The former president also shared insights about the political atmosphere in Bissau, describing the situation as “a ceremonial coup,” suggesting that while the military stepped in, it did not completely dismantle the civilian leadership structure.
According to Jonathan, the election results should still be announced to preserve the credibility of the process and maintain regional confidence.
He emphasised the need for continuous diplomatic engagement to prevent further instability in Guinea-Bissau and protect democratic gains across the sub-region.
The crisis has continued to draw widespread condemnation from ECOWAS and the African Union. Both bodies suspended Guinea-Bissau from their activities pending the restoration of constitutional order. Regional leaders have also called for restraint, urging political actors in Bissau to prioritise dialogue.
Jonathan’s return and subsequent visit to Aso Rock underscore Nigeria’s increasing role in mediating political tensions within West Africa.
The meeting with Tinubu is expected to shape Nigeria’s next diplomatic steps regarding the unfolding situation.