Former President Goodluck Jonathan has updated President Bola Tinubu on the growing political tension in Guinea-Bissau after its disputed presidential election and the subsequent military intervention.
Military personnel seized control of the country last Wednesday, just days after both presidential and legislative polls were conducted. Following the takeover, the officers halted the electoral process, sealed the country’s borders, and stopped authorities from releasing the official results.
Jonathan, who headed the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission in Guinea-Bissau, visited Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Saturday, where he offered a comprehensive, first-hand report of the unrest that erupted after the military suspended the democratic process.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Jonathan explained that it is standard practice for him, as a former president, to formally brief the incumbent on developments in the West African region.
He emphasised that presenting a detailed update helps keep the President fully informed and prepares him to address the matter at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit.
“In ECOWAS, when you return from such assignments, you brief your President so leaders get first-hand information,” Jonathan noted.
He confirmed that vote tallying in Guinea-Bissau had already been completed, insisting that the rightful winner of the election must be officially declared.
Jonathan urged regional leaders to engage constructively with the military authorities to restore constitutional governance.
He added that if the military is willing, the candidate who legitimately won should be sworn in without delay, stressing that Africa must stop recycling political instability.
He further called for the immediate release of detained opposition candidate Fernando Diaz, arguing that the politician committed no wrongdoing and never proclaimed himself winner.
“There was no reason to arrest him. He didn’t announce himself as president. They should free him and announce the result.
“We are tired of negative stories. What happened was not a palace coup. It wasn’t even close. I described it as a ceremonial coup.
“We’re not pushing out the military by force. People will die. ECOWAS should engage them. They know the right thing to do,” he added.
What You Should Know
Guinea-Bissau has long struggled with political instability, and the latest disruption adds another chapter to its fragile democratic process.
Nigeria, through ECOWAS, plays a major diplomatic role in promoting regional stability, and Tinubu’s briefing strengthens coordination ahead of the bloc’s intervention efforts.
The Nigerian government is expected to support peaceful engagement with the junta, advocate the release of detained political actors, and push for the announcement of legitimate election results to restore constitutional order.
