Nigeria grants asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, the Guinea-Bissau opposition presidential candidate, following strong threats against his life after the recent coup.
The situation escalated shortly after military officers announced a coup that disrupted the political climate in the Portuguese-speaking West African nation.
Embassy Protection After Coup
The coup occurred only days after the heated presidential election. President Umaro Embaló and da Costa had both declared victory before officials released the final results.
Nigeria said it was deeply worried about the sudden takeover and demanded the immediate return of constitutional rule.
The foreign affairs ministry promised to work with partners to ensure a swift and peaceful restoration of order.
In a formal letter to Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission president, Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that President Bola Tinubu approved da Costa’s protection inside the Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau.
ECOWAS Urged to Support
Tuggar explained that Tinubu acted in response to direct threats made against da Costa. He requested ECOWAS to assign its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to provide extra security.
The letter noted: “In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian embassy.”
Nigeria Defends Its Decision
Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s media aide, confirmed the authenticity of the letter.
He stated that “the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to grant asylum and provide protection to Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign responsibility and longstanding commitment to regional peace, stability, and democratic governance.”
He added that Nigeria acted to prevent rising tensions and maintain unity in Guinea-Bissau and the region. Abdulkadir said the move aligns with ECOWAS peace goals and Nigeria’s stabilising role in West Africa.
ECOWAS Reacts to Political Crisis
After the coup, ECOWAS held an emergency virtual meeting of its heads of state. The regional body later suspended Guinea-Bissau until elected rule is restored.