Former President Goodluck Jonathan Tells Tinubu: “No Excuse—Free the Opposition Leader Immediately!”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he briefed the President on the escalating political situation in Guinea-Bissau. Goodluck Jonathan, who has been actively involved in mediation efforts across West Africa, arrived in Abuja shortly after attending engagements tied to ECOWAS democratic stability missions.

The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on emerging tensions following the country’s contested election, which has triggered concerns about legitimacy, security, and regional stability. President Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, was updated on Jonathan’s engagements with stakeholders in Bissau.

The former president expressed optimism that Nigeria and ECOWAS would continue to intervene constructively to safeguard democratic governance in the troubled nation.

Goodluck Jonathan Says Election Result Is Known, Demands Transparency

Goodluck Jonathan stressed that the political impasse in Guinea-Bissau cannot continue, insisting that the election results are already known and must be publicly announced without delay. He warned that the longer the junta withholds the result, the greater the risk of instability in the country.

According to Jonathan, the will of the people must be respected, as democratic legitimacy hinges on openness, accountability, and a credible electoral process. He noted that prolonged silence could fuel distrust and embolden anti-democratic forces across the region.

The former president reiterated that ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s leadership, must prioritise restoring constitutional order and ensuring the rights of voters are upheld.

Goodluck Jonathan Urges ECOWAS to Pressure Military to Release Opposition Leader

Jonathan called on the regional body to “reach out to the military leadership” in Guinea-Bissau to secure the immediate release of the detained opposition leader. He said democracy cannot thrive where political actors are unlawfully arrested or silenced.

He emphasized that the detained candidate must be freed, the election results must be announced, and the transition process must proceed in accordance with the country’s constitution. Anything less, he warned, would undermine democratic norms and weaken ECOWAS credibility.

Jonathan assured President Tinubu that he remains committed to supporting peace efforts and strengthening democratic values across West Africa.