By Obinna Uballa
The Presidency has lauded Nigeria’s reaction to the foiled coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, describing it as further proof of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and regional stability.
Soldiers operating under the banner of the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, briefly took over the state television station in Cotonou on Sunday, declaring President Patrice Talon’s government overthrown. Loyalist forces, however, repelled the mutiny shortly afterwards.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said Nigeria’s immediate condemnation of the attempted coup reflected Tinubu’s decisive approach to protecting constitutional governance in West Africa.
“The recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin once again underscored the critical role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plays in safeguarding democracy and stability across West Africa,” Olusegun said.
He noted that as the situation briefly escalated in Cotonou, Nigeria “moved swiftly and decisively” under Tinubu’s instruction, reinforcing a regional zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional power seizures.
Olusegun added that Nigeria’s position aligned closely with ECOWAS’s strong reaction, emphasising Tinubu’s consistent opposition to the resurgence of military rule in the region.
“By standing firmly with Benin’s elected authorities, President Tinubu ensured that Nigeria continued to lead by example – advocating dialogue, stability, and constitutionalism,” he said.
While the failed mutiny highlights the fragility of democratic transitions across West Africa, the presidential aide argued that it also demonstrates the need for principled leadership.
“President Tinubu’s rapid, coherent, and resolute response reinforced Nigeria’s traditional role as the anchor of West African stability,” he added.
He further noted that as Benin prepares for its 2026 political transition amid an environment unsettled by repeated coups in the region, Tinubu’s unwavering defence of constitutional order remains a steadying force.
