Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has sharply criticized the recent political upheaval in Guinea-Bissau, describing the military takeover as a “stage-managed plot” orchestrated by ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to undermine democratic governance. Speaking to journalists in Abuja upon his return to Nigeria, Jonathan called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to intervene decisively.
Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as part of the West Africa Elders Forum Observation Mission during the country’s general elections on November 24, 2025, said the events were highly unusual and troubling. “What happened in Guinea-Bissau was not a coup, but a stage-managed plot by President Umaro Embaló to thwart democratic governance,” he stated. He emphasized that a transparent electoral process was hijacked and demanded the immediate release of the presidential election results.
Reflecting on the evacuation process, Jonathan expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the governments of Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire for facilitating his safe exit. “I want to thank Nigerians for their empathy and encouragement. I also thank President Tinubu and President Ouattara, whose aircrafts helped in securing our evacuation,” he said, explaining that a Korean aircraft ultimately transported him from the country.
Jonathan described the events in Guinea-Bissau as deeply disturbing. He noted that while military coups typically prevent sitting presidents from speaking publicly, Embaló was able to announce his own “arrest” and communicate with the media during the takeover. “I’m a Nigerian close to 70, and I know how heads of state are treated during coups. What happened here defies logic and democratic norms,” he said.
The former president recounted his prior mediation experience in Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the country’s history of instability, including a physical altercation involving a military officer and the prime minister in 2012. He stressed that the recent elections, which he observed alongside other mission heads, were peaceful and well-conducted, making the sudden takeover even more alarming.
Jonathan’s remarks came a day after he was evacuated amid the chaos. The military intervention on November 27 marked the latest episode in Guinea-Bissau’s long history of instability, which includes at least four successful coups since independence from Portugal in 1974. A group of army officers announced they had seized “total control,” detained Embaló, and closed the country’s borders to address post-election disputes.
@thenigerialawyer“Not a Coup, But Stage-Managed Plot by Embaló to Thwart Democratic Governance” — Jonathan Urges ECOWAS to Rise Up, Restore Order in Guinea-Bissau
♬ original sound – TheNigeriaLawyer
Opposition parties, including the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), have echoed Jonathan’s concerns, alleging that Embaló orchestrated the events to cling to power. They claim he installed a loyal general as interim leader to govern by proxy, bypassing constitutional limits, and have demanded the National Electoral Commission publish the full election results.
In response, ECOWAS convened an emergency session, suspended Guinea-Bissau’s membership, and demanded that the military respect the election outcome. The AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the “military coup d’état” and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
Jonathan urged both ECOWAS and the AU to act swiftly to ensure that the democratic will of the Guinean people is respected, insisting that the election results be officially released and a legitimate winner declared.
The post “Not A Coup, But A Plot” — Jonathan Alleges Guinea-Bissau President Staged Takeover, Calls On ECOWAS To Act appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.