By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Nigerian government has extended asylum and protection to Fernando Dias da Costa, the leading opposition presidential candidate in Guinea-Bissau following a violent coup that erupted after the country’s disputed polls.
In a communique signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved mounting security for da Costa within the compound of the Nigerian embassy in Bissau.
The letter, addressed to the head of the regional bloc ECOWAS, also requested deployment of the bloc’s Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea‑Bissau to support the protection detail.
The decision follows a turbulent week after military officers seized control of the government, days after presidential elections in which both the incumbent president and da Costa had claimed victory.
The takeover fuelled fears for the safety of opposition figures and democratic process in the Portuguese‑speaking West African country.
Nigeria’s intervention signals its self‑described role as a stabilising force in West Africa.
“The decision to grant asylum reflects Nigeria’s sovereign duty and commitment to regional peace and democratic governance,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s media aide.
The move comes among broader international efforts to pressure Guinea‑Bissau’s new military regime to restore constitutional rule including condemnation and suspension by both ECOWAS and the African Union.
At this time, da Costa remains under diplomatic protection, with security agencies monitoring developments closely.
