Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa, a presidential hopeful in Guinea-Bissau’s upcoming November 2025 elections. This move comes in response to rising security threats and political instability following the recent turbulent events in Guinea-Bissau.
Stone Reporters observed that Nigeria's decision to provide protection for Mr. Da Costa follows a tumultuous electoral process that quickly descended into a major political crisis. The elections, held in November 2025, were marred by controversy from the start. The main opposition party, PAIGC—the strongest political group in the country—was disqualified from participating, leading many inside and outside Guinea-Bissau to question the fairness of the election.
On election day, despite high voter turnout, both the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and his challenger, Fernando Dias, claimed victory before official results were announced. Tensions escalated when heavy gunfire was reported near key government buildings, including the presidential palace and election commission offices. The military intervened the day before results were expected, taking control of the country, suspending the election process, and closing borders, citing concerns over vote manipulation.
The military then announced a coup, detaining and releasing former President Embaló, who subsequently left the country. Since then, Guinea-Bissau has been under military rule, with no official declaration of a winner, plunging the country into political uncertainty and deepening the crisis. International pressure has mounted on the military leadership to restore civilian rule and hold transparent elections.
In light of these developments, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, announced the approval of the deployment of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to secure Mr. Da Costa within the Nigerian Embassy. The move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, safeguarding democratic aspirations, and supporting peace efforts in the region.
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