Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to recent remarks by Atiku Abubakar, who described him as a “decent” but “inexperienced” leader.
Atiku, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the statement during an interview on Arise TV, linking some of the challenges faced during Jonathan’s administration to what he termed inadequate leadership preparation.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) awards in Abuja, Jonathan addressed the criticism without mentioning Atiku directly.
He acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable in leadership, stressing that no president or governor can claim to have governed without errors.
Jonathan questioned the notion that age determines leadership capability, asking whether one must reach an advanced age before being considered fit to lead.
He also defended his record, noting that he would not have successfully navigated the responsibilities of office if he were truly inexperienced.
Jonathan assumed office as Nigeria’s President following the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.