Nigeria gives opposition figure asylum amid Guinea-Bissau election crisis
Nigeria has granted asylum to Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, following a military coup that halted the announcement of presidential election results.
The coup, occurring three days after the November 23 vote, saw the military suspend the electoral process.
The electoral commission now says it cannot publish results because armed men destroyed paperwork and the main computer server storing regional data.
Both incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló and challenger Dias had claimed victory.
Dias received protection at the Nigerian embassy in Bissau after reporting threats. Nigeria’s foreign minister stated the move underscores a commitment to Guinea-Bissau’s democratic aspirations and requested ECOWAS security for the embassy.
A regional ECOWAS delegation has held tense talks with the junta, which has sworn in a transitional leader and banned protests. The bloc has suspended Guinea-Bissau from decision-making bodies.
This marks the latest disruption for a nation that has experienced at least nine coups or attempts since independence in 1974, with the military remaining a potent political force.
