“I Did My Best as President” — Jonathan Fires Back at Atiku

By Chisom Adaeze

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his time in office, insisting that he gave his best despite criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently described his administration as inexperienced.

Jonathan’s response follows remarks made by Atiku during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television, where the former Vice President—now a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—questioned Jonathan’s leadership capacity while he was in power.

Atiku had characterised Jonathan as a “decent young man” but argued that his perceived inexperience contributed to governance challenges during his administration, particularly in moments of national crisis.

Jonathan Responds

Reacting on Monday at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja, Jonathan acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in leadership but rejected the notion that age or experience alone defines competence.

“So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes,’” he said.

“If I made mistakes, yes—nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say they did not make mistakes. All human beings must make mistakes.”

Jonathan, who assumed office in 2010 at the age of 53 and left in 2015 at 58, questioned the logic behind criticisms of his age while in office.

“Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?” he asked, pushing back against narratives that framed him as unprepared for leadership.

Defending His Record

The former president maintained that despite any shortcomings, his administration made notable strides, particularly in Nigeria’s foreign relations and diplomacy.

He pointed to Nigeria’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council during his tenure as evidence of strategic leadership.

“If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process,” Jonathan said, addressing an audience of diplomats.

Atiku’s Broader Political Remarks

During the same Arise TV interview, Atiku also weighed in on the strength of other political figures ahead of the 2027 elections. He is currently competing for political relevance alongside key figures such as Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Atiku downplayed the influence of some northern politicians and suggested that Obi’s support base remains largely in the South-East, while Amaechi’s strength is concentrated in the South-South.

He also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, expressing dissatisfaction with its performance so far.

Call for Regional Stability

Beyond domestic politics, Jonathan used the platform to urge leaders across West Africa to prioritise unity and stability amid rising political and security challenges in the region.

He called on heads of state within the Economic Community of West African States to work collaboratively toward ensuring political stability and sustainable governance.

“The heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms to make sure that the sub-region is politically stable,” he said.

Political Undercurrents Ahead of 2027

Jonathan’s remarks come amid growing political tensions and early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. With key political actors already exchanging criticisms and redefining alliances, observers say the build-up to the next election cycle is well underway.

His response also underscores the enduring rivalry and ideological differences among Nigeria’s political elite, as former leaders continue to shape the national conversation on governance, leadership, and accountability.