Asylum Amid Chaos: Nigeria Welcomes Guinea-Bissau's Presidential Challenger

Thu Dec 04 2025 20:43:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of a coup in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria has granted asylum to Fernando Dias, a presidential candidate who faced threats. The political situation remains tense as international calls for stability grow louder.

Following a coup that interrupted Guinea-Bissau's electoral process, Nigeria has provided asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, a presidential candidate, amidst escalating tensions. The military has suspended the release of election results, leading to calls from West African leaders for the junta to restore order. Dias, who narrowly escaped arrest, described the coup's chaotic scenes, adding to the region’s long history of political instability.

Nigeria has granted asylum to Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa just days after a coup prevented the results of the recent election being announced.

The 47-year-old, who ran for the Party for Social Renewal, was under special protection at the Nigerian embassy following threats made against him, according to Nigeria's foreign minister.

As the main challenger to Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was seeking a second term and has since left the country, Dias’s safety was prioritized amid an evolving political crisis.

A delegation from the West African bloc Ecowas is currently urging the military to step aside and release the results of the vote.

Both Embaló and Dias claimed victory in the presidential poll held on November 23, but the coup occurred three days later, with the military suspending the electoral process amidst claims of thwarting a destabilization plot.

The junta has also imposed strict measures, banning demonstrations and other potential disruptions to stability. Tensions are palpable in the capital, Bissau, following reports of armed groups invading the headquarters of the PAIGC party, a significant political movement in the country.

On the day of the coup, Dias reported escaping from his campaign headquarters as armed personnel sought to arrest him. In response, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had offered Dias protection within the Nigerian embassy.

The decision to accommodate Mr. Dias underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereignty of the good people of Guinea-Bissau, Tuggar stated in communications with Ecowas leadership.

While mediation talks between Ecowas and the junta have been described as productive yet tense, the situation remains highly unstable. The junta swore in a transitional leader, Gen Horta N'Tam, who is set to govern for a year.

Ecowas has suspended Guinea-Bissau from decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored, leaving the true motives behind the coup ambiguous. Some observers, including leaders from Senegal and Nigeria, have alleged the coup may have been staged, while local civil groups suggest it was a preemptive tactic by Embaló to suppress electoral results.

Guinea-Bissau, often labeled a drug-trafficking hub, has experienced multiple coups since gaining independence in 1974, highlighting the persistent influence of military power in the political landscape.