Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to leave Guinea-Bissau as political instability in the country escalates following a military takeover and suspension of the electoral process.

According to SaharaReporters, Jonathan is currently under military protection, with arrangements for his departure said to be in the final stages. He had travelled to the country as part of a joint election observer mission led by the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).

The crisis erupted after both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and leading opposition candidate Fernando Dias prematurely declared themselves winners of Sunday’s presidential election. Shortly after the conflicting claims, soldiers moved to suspend the election process and take control of state institutions.

The Nigerian House of Representatives, reacting to the development on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure Jonathan’s safe return along with other Nigerians currently trapped in the country.

Lawmakers called for evacuation measures, warning that the situation could worsen if proactive steps were not taken.

Amid the takeover, military officers announced the immediate suspension of the electoral process, the closure of land, air, and sea borders, and the enforcement of a nationwide curfew. The statement intensified concerns of prolonged instability.

Gunfire was also reported near key government installations, including the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the Interior Ministry, disrupting activities just hours before expected election results were due.

The presidential vote had featured President Embaló and opposition figure Dias, both insisting they had won even though official results had not been released at the time of the coup attempt.

Jonathan and other election observers are now expected to be evacuated once ongoing diplomatic engagements and security clearances are completed.