Jonathan Briefs Tinubu on Guinea Bissau Crisis, Describes Post-Election Turmoil as “Ceremonial Coup”

Concerns over stability in Guinea Bissau resurfaced at the weekend as former President Goodluck Jonathan met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, offering a detailed account of the turbulence that followed the country’s recent elections. Jonathan, who observed the polls, explained that contrary to widespread claims, the situation was not a conventional coup but what he termed a “ceremonial coup” executed by the head of state.

After the briefing, Jonathan told journalists that the election result was already clear and that the arrest of the opposition candidate had no justification. He emphasised that it is customary for former presidents involved in regional engagements to update the incumbent leader, especially with an ECOWAS meeting approaching.

Jonathan noted that the electoral process had been concluded and results essentially determined, stressing the urgent need for transparency. He insisted that the rightful winner must be announced without delay. While he acknowledged that removing the military was not realistic due to its wider implications, he maintained that clarity on the winner remains non-negotiable.

He urged ECOWAS to engage Guinea Bissau’s authorities directly, adding that the arrested opposition figure committed no offence since he did not declare himself winner. According to him, only such an action could have constituted treason. He called for the candidate’s release and the formal declaration of results, after which the legitimate winner should be sworn in if the military accepts the outcome.

Jonathan expressed frustration with recurring negative political events in Africa, stating that the Guinea Bissau incident did not fit any known definition of a coup or palace coup. He said he struggled to find an accurate description, eventually settling for “ceremonial coup” because it was stage-managed by the head of state.

He urged ECOWAS to act swiftly, warning that the region cannot continue to grapple with political instability.