- Tinubu’s Swift Action Helped Stop Benin Coup – Presidency.
- Aide says Tinubu’s leadership reinforced regional defence of democracy.
- Coup failure seen as reminder of fragile transitions in West Africa.
The Presidency has described Nigeria’s swift reaction to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin as a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to peace, stability, and constitutional governance in West Africa.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this follows Sunday’s failed takeover by mutinous soldiers operating under the name “Military Committee for Refoundation” and led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The group briefly seized Benin’s state television in an attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon before loyalist forces regained control.
Reacting to the development, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said in a statement posted on 𝕏 on Monday that Nigeria’s response reflected President Tinubu’s firm stance on democratic rule in the sub region. He stated that “The recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin once again underscored the critical role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plays in safeguarding democracy and stability across West Africa.”
According to him, as the situation unfolded in Cotonou on December 7, Nigeria acted “swiftly and decisively,” reinforcing its commitment to constitutional order. Olusegun noted that while Benin’s security forces promptly suppressed the mutiny, Nigeria’s immediate condemnation helped shape the regional response.
He added that President Tinubu’s position aligned closely with ECOWAS’ reaction, stressing that as ECOWAS chair, Tinubu has repeatedly insisted that the era of military takeovers in West Africa must end. He said Nigeria continues to lead by example, promoting dialogue, stability, and respect for constitutional processes.
Olusegun explained that President Tinubu’s response reinforced Nigeria’s traditional role as a stabilising force in the region. While welcoming the failure of the coup, he cautioned that the incident highlights the fragility of democratic transitions across West Africa.
He added that as Benin moves toward its 2026 transition and the region confronts recurring military interventions, President Tinubu’s strong defence of democratic order remains a key factor guiding West Africa toward a future where constitutional governance is upheld.
