President Bola Tinubu has approved a special protection and security arrangement for Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition Presidential candidate, following reported threats to his life after the 23 November 2025 General Elections in Guinea-Bissau.
The approval was communicated through Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a letter to Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The letter revealed that Tinubu endorsed a request for the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau to host and secure Da Costa for his safety.
According to Tuggar, the decision was taken as a proactive measure in response to “imminent threats” faced by the opposition candidate.
He described the move as an affirmation of Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to protecting democratic actors and safeguarding the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.
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Tuggar also appealed to ECOWAS to reinforce the arrangement by directing the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide additional protection for Da Costa while he remains within the premises of the Nigerian mission.
“Nigeria would appreciate if the ECOWAS mission could ensure his security alongside the measures being provided by our Embassy,” he stated.
In a separate clarification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that granting protection to Da Costa falls squarely within Nigeria’s sovereign responsibility.
The Ministry emphasised that the step was taken in the broader interest of de-escalating political tensions, promoting social cohesion, and upholding regional peace and democratic governance.
It added that Nigeria’s action aligns fully with ECOWAS norms and reflects the country’s historic role as a stabilising force in West Africa.
Tuggar assured the ECOWAS Commission of Nigeria’s continued support for peace, security, and democratic consolidation in Guinea-Bissau and the sub-region.
