Nigerian govt grants asylum to Guinea-Bissau opposition candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa

The Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau has granted asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, the country’s opposition presidential candidate, over alleged threats to his life.

In a letter dated November 30, 2025, and addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, announced that President Tinubu Bola Ahmed had approved a security provision for Da Costa within the Nigerian Embassy premises in Bissau.

According to the minister, the decision was taken “as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa” amid rising concerns over the security environment during the tense pre-election period in Guinea-Bissau.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa,” the communication read.

Tuggar noted that the approval “underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” emphasizing Nigeria’s long-standing role in stabilisation efforts across the West African sub-region.

The minister further requested that ECOWAS mandate its Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to extend formal protection to the presidential candidate while he remains at the Nigerian Embassy.

“In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy,” Tuggar stated.

The request follows the recent coup and military takeover of power amid recurring political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, where election periods have historically witnessed instability and concerns over the safety of political actors.

Nigeria, which currently plays a significant leadership role within ECOWAS, has been central to peacekeeping and diplomatic interventions in the country for decades.