Nigeria moves to protect Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate Fernando Dias Da Costa

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved special security measures for Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate Fernando Dias Da Costa, following what officials describe as “imminent threats to his life.”

This was contained in an official letter signed on Sunday by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and addressed to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray.

In the letter conveyed to President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria sought the President’s authorisation to provide protection for the candidate within the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved the provision of protection and security on the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for Mr. Fernando Dias Da Costa,” the letter stated.

According to the minister, the decision represents a proactive step aimed at ensuring Da Costa’s safety amid rising political tension ahead of the November 2025 elections.

“Mr. President’s decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr. Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life,” the letter added. “The decision to accommodate Mr. Da Costa within the Nigerian premises underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”

Nigeria has also requested ECOWAS to deploy additional security support through its regional mission.

“It would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while on the premises of the Nigerian Embassy,” the communication noted.