The Nigerian government has granted asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, Guinea-Bissau’s opposition presidential candidate, after he reportedly received life-threatening messages in the aftermath of last Wednesday’s military coup.
Da Costa is currently being sheltered inside the Nigerian embassy in Bissau, a move authorities say is aimed at preventing further escalation of the crisis that engulfed the country shortly after its contentious presidential election.
Coup Erupts After Disputed Election
The coup occurred only days after Guinea-Bissau’s presidential poll, in which both Da Costa and incumbent President Umaro Embaló prematurely claimed victory—well before the national electoral commission could release official results.
The political standoff quickly spiraled into unrest, culminating in the military takeover that has drawn widespread regional condemnation.
Nigeria Calls for Restoration of Order
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over the coup, urging the immediate reinstatement of democratic governance. The ministry also signalled that Abuja would work with international partners to ensure a rapid return to stability.
Tinubu Approves Asylum
In a letter dated November 30 and addressed to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorized Da Costa’s protection following reports of threats to his life.
Tuggar requested ECOWAS intervention at the embassy, writing: “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.”
Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, confirmed to The Cable that the letter was authentic.
Protection Consistent With Nigeria’s Regional Mandate
According to Abdulkadir, granting asylum to Da Costa aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to peace and democratic stability across West Africa.
“The decision of the Federal Government to grant asylum falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign responsibility and dedication to regional peace, stability, and good governance,” he said.
He added that the move was designed to prevent tensions in Guinea-Bissau from worsening, stressing that Nigeria acted “in the broader interest of de-escalation and social cohesion in the sub-region.”
ECOWAS Responds, Suspends Guinea-Bissau
ECOWAS convened an emergency virtual summit shortly after the coup and has since suspended Guinea-Bissau from the regional bloc until constitutional order is restored.
Also Read: Tinubu Begins Search for New Defence Minister as Badaru Abubakar Steps Down
The situation in the Lusophone nation remains fluid, as the regional community monitors developments and international partners push for a peaceful transition back to civilian rule.
