President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following Jonathan’s return from an election monitoring mission to Guinea-Bissau.
The meeting followed his return from Guinea-Bissau after a military takeover in the West African country.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Jonathan’s visit to the Villa in a post on X on Saturday.
He wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa on Saturday on Jonathan’s return to Nigeria from Guinea-Bissau. President Jonathan went to the West African on an election monitoring mission. There were concerns about his safety following a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau.”
Jonathan arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after being evacuated from Bissau.
A video of his arrival showed him stepping off an Ivorian government aircraft and being received by supporters and officials.
The former president had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission for last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections.
His team was still carrying out its assignment when soldiers announced they had taken over the government, prompting concerns about his safety
Jonathan’s homecoming drew national attention after concerns were raised about his safety due to a sudden military takeover in the West African nation during his stay.
The former President, who has continued to serve as a statesman and regional mediator, was warmly received by President Tinubu at Aso Rock, where both leaders exchanged pleasantries and held brief discussions behind closed doors.
