Key Points
- Jonathan landed in Abuja this evening on a special flight. Officials say he is safe and under escort.
- He left Guinea-Bissau after a military coup disrupted elections. The move raised urgent calls for calm and talks.
- Nigeria’s federal government confirmed his safe evacuation this afternoon. Diplomats are arranging travel and checking on other observers.
Goodluck Jonathan (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday night. He was flown out after being stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a coup. The federal government says he is safe and heading home.
Jonathan led an African observer team during the weekend vote. Reports said the military seized power before official results came out.
Foreign observers were trapped when officers closed borders and set a curfew. trapped delegation in Guinea Bissau was the subject of earlier reporting.
Evacuation and government response
The federal government says it arranged the flight and secured his exit. An aide said he left with members of his observer team and staff. Diplomats continue talks to evacuate other observers still in the capital.
Earlier coverage of the chaos also tracks local reactions and the wider disruption. Local officials urged calm and said they were protecting foreign guests. Neighbouring states and regional bodies are watching events closely.
Jonathan is expected to brief Nigerian leaders on his return. His safe arrival eased immediate fears for his welfare and travel. Officials say more details will follow once he meets aides.
Regional bodies condemned the takeover and urged a quick return to constitutional rule. Observers including Jonathan had urged peaceful counting before the coup.
Some foreign leaders left for neighbouring countries as flights resumed. Diplomatic channels continue to secure safe corridors for remaining staff.
Nigerian officials say they will share more information about his trip. For now, his return brings relief to many worried about his safety.
The coup paused the vote count and delayed result announcements. Many voters and officials are now uncertain about what comes next.
Jonathan was in Guinea-Bissau as a senior election monitor for the AU. His presence highlighted the regional stakes in the vote and its outcome.
