Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has approved protection and security for Fernando Dias Da Costa, a presidential candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s November 2025 election, at the Nigerian Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.
In a letter signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and addressed to the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray, Tuggar stated that President Tinubu authorized the “provision of protection and security for the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.”
The letter further explained that this decision is “a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life.”
This development comes after the military seized power in Guinea-Bissau through a coup, while citizens await the results of the presidential election.
President Tinubu stated that the move also demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to “safeguard the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the people of Guinea-Bissau.”
He further urged the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to provide protection and security for Fernando Dias Da Costa while he remains at the Nigerian Embassy.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been contesting the November 23, 2025, presidential election against his main challenger, Fernando Dias Da Costa. Both candidates have claimed victory in the first round of voting, which took place earlier this week.