The Nigerian Embassy in Guinea Bissau has granted asylum to opposition presidential candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, following alleged threats to his life in the wake of last week’s military coup.
The protection was approved by President Bola Tinubu after reports that the opposition figure faced imminent danger following the seizure of power by the military.
A document from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared on social media, confirmed that the request for protection and security for Dias da Costa was formally received and approved.
Military officers in the Portuguese speaking West African nation announced the overthrow of the civilian authorities on November 26, days after a disputed presidential election.
The soldiers halted the collation of results and installed a transitional leader, throwing the country into fresh political uncertainty.
Dias da Costa, who was leading in preliminary election tallies before the coup, was subsequently sheltered within the Nigerian mission in Bissau over concerns for his safety.
Nigeria’s intervention has drawn regional attention as the Economic Community of West African States suspended Guinea Bissau from its activities and dispatched a high level delegation on December 1 to press for a return to constitutional order.
