The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted asylum and protection to Fernando Dias da Costa, the opposition presidential candidate of Guinea-Bissau, after credible threats to his life following last week’s military coup.

Dias da Costa is currently being hosted at the Nigerian embassy in Bissau. The asylum follows a disputed presidential election in which both Dias da Costa and incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo claimed victory before official results could be released.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed in a letter to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray that President Bola Tinubu approved safe passage and protection for Dias.

The letter requested that the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission provide additional security while Dias remains at the embassy.

“The decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to grant asylum and protection to Mr Fernando Dias da Costa falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign responsibility and commitment to regional stability,” said Alkasim Abdulkadir, special assistant to Tuggar on media and communications.

The move is consistent with Nigeria’s longstanding role in supporting peace and democracy in West Africa. Officials said the intervention is guided by principles of human security, peace, and regional stability, aligned with ECOWAS efforts to curb political instability in Guinea-Bissau.

The Guinea-Bissau military seized power three days after a closely contested election. Security in the capital, Bissau, deteriorated rapidly, prompting concern across the West African region. ECOWAS has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored.

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Dias da Costa remains under Nigerian protection as regional diplomats push for a political solution and the restoration of civilian governance. Nigeria’s swift action underscores its role as a key stabilizing force in West Africa during political crises.