In a recent interview, Jonathan reflected on the uncertainty that engulfed the country at the time, noting that Nigeria’s fragile balance of power between North and South, as well as Muslims and Christians was severely tested when Yar’Adua, a Northern Muslim, fell seriously ill while in office. Yar’Adua had taken over from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Southern Christian.
Jonathan said Yar’Adua had indeed drafted a letter to the National Assembly to initiate a formal transfer of power, but it was never delivered by the aide entrusted with it.
He explained that although he continued to function as vice president—presiding over executive council meetings and approving government memos—he lacked the constitutional authority of the Commander-in-Chief, as there was no official handover.
According to Jonathan, the stalemate prompted the National Assembly to invoke the “doctrine of necessity,” a legal maneuver that ultimately allowed him to assume presidential powers in the absence of a formal transmission of authority from Yar’Adua.
