Nigeria has granted asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, the leading opposition presidential candidate in Guinea-Bissau, sheltering him at its embassy in the capital, Bissau, following credible threats to his life after a military coup.
The dramatic intervention comes just days after Guinea-Bissau's fragile election process unraveled into chaos. Last Wednesday, military officers declared a coup, toppling the government amid disputed presidential results.
Both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and da Costa had prematurely claimed victory, heightening tensions before the electoral commission could finalize the tally.
Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound alarm over the coup, demanding an immediate return to constitutional rule.
In a letter dated November 30 to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar revealed that President Bola Tinubu had personally authorized da Costa's protection within the Nigerian diplomatic compound.
"This decision responds directly to the grave threats against Mr. da Costa's life," Tuggar wrote, urging ECOWAS to deploy its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to secure the embassy premises.
"It aligns with Nigeria's sovereign duties and our unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and democracy in West Africa."Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar's special assistant on media and communications, verified the letter's contents to TheCable on Monday, framing the move as a proactive step toward de-escalation.
"By offering asylum, Nigeria prevents escalation, fosters social cohesion, and upholds ECOWAS protocols," Abdulkadir stated.
"This is not interference—it's leadership in safeguarding human security across the sub-region."
The coup prompted ECOWAS to convene an emergency virtual summit of heads of state, resulting in Guinea-Bissau's immediate suspension from the bloc until democratic order is restored.
Nigeria, as ECOWAS chair under Tinubu, has pledged close collaboration with regional partners to expedite normalcy.
Da Costa, a prominent critic of Embaló's administration, had accused the government of electoral fraud, fueling the pre-coup standoff.
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