Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has provided a detailed explanation for his return to Nigeria aboard an Ivorian aircraft following recent political instability in Guinea-Bissau, clarifying that while President Bola Tinubu had arranged a Nigerian jet, the Ivorian team secured landing clearance first.
Evacuation Amidst Political Turmoil
Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, made these remarks during a YouTube interview with Symfoni on Friday, November 28, 2025. This marked his first public statement since gunfire erupted around key government institutions in Bissau, sparking reports of a potential coup attempt.
"While we were in Bissau and this so-called coup happened, the information we got was that the whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious or political divides," Jonathan stated, acknowledging the widespread concern among Nigerians about his safety.
Dual Evacuation Efforts
According to Jonathan, both President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire immediately made arrangements to evacuate him and his delegation from the unstable situation. However, the Ivorian delegation managed to obtain the necessary landing permit more quickly.
"Both presidents were to send aircraft to lift us, but somehow you know Côte d'Ivoire is closer to Guinea-Bissau, and there's always some relationship between the Francophone countries and the Lusophones, who are among the Francophones," Jonathan explained. "They were able to penetrate their system to get a landing permit before Nigeria could do that. So the Ivorian aircraft was already on its way to pick us up."
Gratitude for Swift Response
Jonathan revealed that by the time the Nigerian jet received approval to depart, the Ivorian aircraft was already en route to collect them. "So when we learnt that the Nigerian aircraft were about leaving, we asked them not to bother. That is why, if you see the pictures, I was brought by an Ivorian aircraft," he clarified.
The former president expressed profound appreciation for the concern shown by Nigerians and the swift action taken by both African leaders. "And I sincerely appreciate Nigerians, and I want them to hear directly from my mouth to appreciate their concern. And secondly, to thank my president, President Tinubu, and the Ivorian president, President Ouattara," Jonathan stated, emphasizing his gratitude for the demonstration of regional solidarity during the emergency situation.
