Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently described him as a “decent” but “inexperienced” leader.

Atiku, who spoke in an interview on Arise TV, said some of the challenges during Jonathan’s administration were linked to what he described as insufficient preparation for leadership roles.

Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) awards ceremony in Abuja, Jonathan addressed the criticism without directly naming Atiku.

He acknowledged that leaders are not immune to mistakes, noting that errors are part of governance at any level.

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

Jonathan also questioned the suggestion that age or long experience alone determines leadership effectiveness.

“Must I be 100 years before I run the affairs of the state?” he asked, adding that he believed he was capable of handling the responsibilities of office.

He further maintained that he was not inexperienced when he assumed office, arguing that he was able to manage the transition into the presidency.

Jonathan became President following the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and was later elected in 2011, serving until 2015.