Former President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his time in office, insisting he gave his best despite criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Jonathan’s response follows Atiku’s remarks during an interview on Arise TV, where he described the former president as inexperienced and suggested that this affected his handling of national challenges while in power.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) awards ceremony in Abuja, Jonathan acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in leadership but rejected claims that his age or experience undermined his presidency.
“If I made mistakes, yes no one becomes a governor or president and does not make mistakes,” he said. “I became president at 53 and left at 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?”
Jonathan maintained that his administration delivered key achievements, particularly in diplomacy, citing Nigeria’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council during his tenure.
“If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate that process,” he added.
Atiku, who is seeking the presidential ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, had also weighed in on Nigeria’s current political landscape, downplaying the regional influence of contenders such as Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi, while expressing dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Beyond the political exchange, Jonathan used the platform to stress the importance of stability in West Africa, warning that economic progress in the region remains tied to political order.
“We cannot progress economically if we are politically unstable,” he said, urging leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work collectively to strengthen democracy and governance.
He noted that while ECOWAS was founded to promote economic integration, ongoing political instability in member states continues to hinder its objectives, adding that enforcing democratic standards often clashes with national sovereignty.
Jonathan also called on Nigerian diplomats to document the country’s foreign policy history to guide future administrations in navigating global relations.
Paying tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS, including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, he described the creation of the regional bloc in 1975 as a bold and necessary step toward unity and development.
Gowon, who was honoured at the event, reflected on the origins of ECOWAS, attributing its formation to post-war diplomatic engagements and a shared vision among West African leaders to strengthen cooperation.
Also speaking, ARCAN President Joe Keshi highlighted the significance of recognising excellence in diplomacy, describing the awards as a celebration of service and impact across Nigeria and the continent.
The Chief of Army Staff, Waheed Shaibu, also paid tribute to Gowon, praising his legacy of unity, resilience and national service.
The event, which marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, brought together diplomats, military leaders and policymakers to reflect on regional integration and the future of governance in West Africa.
Elijah Adeyemi
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