Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned African nations to remain vigilant against leaders who manipulate elections and later blame security forces for the resulting instability. His remarks followed his recent return from Guinea-Bissau, where he observed the country’s disrupted electoral process.
Jonathan, speaking in Abuja, criticised the sudden suspension of Guinea-Bissau’s nearly concluded election, describing it as a troubling development for the continent. He noted that voting had been peaceful and transparent before the military intervened, raising uncertainty about the integrity of the process.
According to Jonathan, the situation became even more questionable when President Umaro Embaló continued communicating with the media while claiming he was under arrest. He argued that actions of this nature damage public confidence and push Africa backward. “Africa must reject leaders who halt elections then blame soldiers for chaos created,” he said.
The former president urged ECOWAS and the African Union to release the results already collated, insisting that observers had gathered enough information to identify the legitimate winner. He warned that failing to do so could embolden politicians who exploit confusion to hold onto power.
Jonathan also voiced concern over Fernando Dias, the opposition candidate reportedly in custody, stressing that democratic participation must never be treated as a criminal offence. He maintained that Africa’s progress depends on transparent elections, strong institutions, and leaders who uphold constitutional values.
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