Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that both President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire** sent aircraft to evacuate him and his team during the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau.

Jonathan, who was in the country leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, explained that he arrived to monitor the tense presidential and legislative elections. But before the team could complete its assignment, the military announced it had taken control, throwing the nation into chaos.

Speaking with newsmen, Jonathan said the two West African leaders acted swiftly after learning he and his delegation were caught in the crisis. According to him, both governments prepared aircraft to fly them out of danger.

However, the Ivorian plane landed first. Jonathan explained that Côte d’Ivoire is geographically closer, and the aircraft secured landing permission more quickly, partly due to regional arrangements.

Because of this, Jonathan’s team advised the Nigerian aircraft to stand down, since the Ivorian crew was already ready to pick them up.

Jonathan expressed deep appreciation to both Tinubu and Ouattara for their prompt intervention. He noted that their readiness to help played a major role in ensuring the safety of his delegation during such an unstable moment.

In his words:

“I thank President Tinubu and President Ouattara. Both sent planes to evacuate us during the Guinea-Bissau coup. Côte d’Ivoire is closer and got landing permit faster due to regional ties. We asked Nigeria to stand down since the Ivorian plane had arrived.”

Jonathan also joined other regional observers in condemning the coup, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the electoral process.