Jonathan Defends Presidency, Says “I Did My Best” Amid Atiku Criticism

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has defended his time in office, stating that he gave his best despite criticisms of his leadership.

Jonathan’s remarks come in response to comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had described him as inexperienced during a recent television interview, attributing some governance challenges under his administration to that factor.

Speaking at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja, Jonathan acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in leadership but maintained that no leader is immune to them.

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

Jonathan, who became president in 2010 at the age of 53 and left office in 2015, questioned the basis of the “inexperience” label, arguing that leadership is not defined by age alone.

He also highlighted some of the achievements recorded during his tenure, particularly Nigeria’s election to the United Nations Security Council, noting that such milestones required strategic diplomacy and effective leadership.

The exchange adds to the growing political discourse ahead of future elections, with key figures across parties weighing in on past administrations and current governance.