The Presidency has said Nigeria’s swift reaction to the failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s growing authority in pushing for democratic stability across the West African sub-region.
On Sunday, a faction of soldiers under the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized Benin’s state television in Cotonou and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon. The attempted takeover collapsed within hours as loyal forces regained control.
Responding to the incident on Monday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said the development once again revealed Tinubu’s central role in defending constitutional rule.
“As chaos briefly unfolded in Cotonou, Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s direction, acted swiftly and decisively,” Olusegun wrote on X, adding that the President’s stance helped shape a coordinated regional response.
He said Nigeria’s firm condemnation of the mutiny reinforced West Africa’s collective rejection of coups, a position Tinubu has pushed strongly as Chair of ECOWAS.
“By standing with Benin’s elected government, President Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s leadership in promoting dialogue, stability, and constitutionalism,” he added.
Olusegun said although the failed coup underscores the vulnerabilities within democratic transitions across the region, it also highlights the need for steady leadership.
“President Tinubu’s rapid and resolute response reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing role as the anchor of stability in West Africa,” he said.
He noted that as Benin heads toward its 2026 transition, and as the region continues to confront recurrent military interventions, Tinubu’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions remains a crucial stabilising force.
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