- FG Approves Protection For Guinea-Bissau Candidate Da Costa After Coup
- FG says protection aligns with regional peace commitments.
- ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau pending return to order.
The Federal Government has confirmed that the Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau granted asylum to the country’s opposition presidential candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, following what it described as credible threats to his life after last Wednesday’s military coup.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Lagos East Senator, Tokunbo Abiru Celebrates Men on International Men’s Day
- Nathaniel Bassey Condemns Kwara, Kebbi Attacks
- 42 Countries Confirm 2026 World Cup Qualification As UEFA Sets Playoff Paths
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the coup occurred shortly after the nation’s presidential election, during which both Da Costa and incumbent President Umaro Embaló had prematurely declared victory ahead of official results.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the development and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional governance in the West African country.
In a letter dated November 30 and addressed to Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved Da Costa’s protection within the Nigerian embassy.
The minister appealed to ECOWAS to mandate its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to provide additional security for the opposition candidate during his stay.
Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to Tuggar, verified the letter’s authenticity. He said Nigeria’s decision aligns with its long tradition of promoting peace, democratic order, and regional stability. According to him, the intervention was necessary to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
Abdulkadir added that the move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to human security and regional cohesion, noting that the country acted in line with ECOWAS principles and its responsibility as a stabilising influence in West Africa.
ECOWAS has since held an emergency virtual summit following the coup and suspended Guinea-Bissau from the bloc until constitutional rule is restored.
