Former President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that both Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara deployed aircraft to evacuate him and his delegation during the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau.

In an interview with newsmen, he explained that the Ivorian aircraft arrived earlier because Côte d’Ivoire is geographically closer and secured landing clearance more quickly due to regional ties.

As a result, the Nigerian plane was asked to stand down once the Ivorian team was ready to transport them.

Jonathan expressed appreciation to both leaders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt assistance ensured the safety of his team amid the tense political atmosphere.

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

According to Politics Nigeria, Jonathan had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission for the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.Political history books

His team was still carrying out its mandate when the military announced it had taken control of government operations.

Reacting to the coup alongside other continental and regional observer leaders, Jonathan condemned the military takeover, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the electoral process.