‘I made mistakes, but did my best’ — Jonathan counters Atiku

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has defended his time in office, saying he did his best despite criticisms from former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Mr Jonathan’s response followed remarks by Mr Atiku, who had described him as inexperienced during an interview on Prime Time on Arise TV.

Mr Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, argued that Mr Jonathan’s leadership was affected by inexperience during his tenure.

“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country,” Mr Atiku said.

Jonathan’s defence

Speaking at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja, Mr Jonathan said leadership inevitably comes with mistakes.

“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes,” Mr Jonathan said.

“I became president in 2010 at the age of 53… and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?”

He maintained that despite any shortcomings, he gave his best while in office.

Diplomatic record

Mr Jonathan highlighted Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements during his administration, particularly its election to the United Nations Security Council.

“If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process,” he said.

Regional stability concerns

The former president also spoke on challenges facing West Africa, stressing that political stability remains key to development within the Economic Community of West African States.

“We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically,” Mr Jonathan said.

He added that efforts to enforce democratic norms across the region often clash with issues of national sovereignty.

Mr Jonathan urged leaders in the sub-region to work together to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure stability.

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

Tributes to ECOWAS founders

At the event, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, reflected on the formation of ECOWAS in 1975, describing it as a collective effort aimed at regional integration.

“Why don’t we also think about having something… for all of us when we are working together?” Mr Gowon said.

He noted that the initiative was driven by collaboration among government institutions and civil servants.

Other remarks

President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, Joe Keshi, emphasised the importance of diplomacy in maintaining stability and fostering partnerships.

“Diplomacy is one profession where success is often invisible,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also praised Mr Gowon’s legacy, describing it as one defined by unity, resilience, and national service.