The Presidency has described Nigeria’s swift response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to peace, stability, and constitutional order across West Africa.
This follows the failed effort by mutinous soldiers under the banner of the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who briefly took over Benin’s state television on Sunday in an attempt to oust President Patrice Talon.
The coup plot was swiftly quashed by loyalist forces, with the Benin government confirming the restoration of full control.
Reacting to the development, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, in a statement posted on 𝕏 on Monday, said Nigeria’s actions reflected President Tinubu’s firm stance on democratic governance.
Olusegun stated, “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.
“As chaos briefly unfolded in Cotonou on December 7, 2025, Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s direction, moved swiftly and decisively, demonstrating firm commitment to constitutional order in the sub-region.”
Olusegun noted that while Benin’s internal security forces acted quickly to suppress the mutiny, Nigeria’s prompt condemnation played a significant role in shaping the regional response.
“President Tinubu’s leadership also harmonised with ECOWAS’ strong response. As ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu has consistently insisted that the era of coups in West Africa must end,” he said.
The presidential aide further stated that Nigeria, under Tinubu, continues to lead by example, advocating for dialogue, stability, and adherence to constitutional principles.
“President Tinubu’s rapid, coherent, and resolute response reinforced Nigeria’s traditional role as the anchor of West African stability,” he added.
While celebrating the failure of the coup, Olusegun cautioned that the incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic transitions in the region.
“Ultimately, as Benin prepares for its 2026 transition, and as the region continues to grapple with waves of military interventions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering defence of democracy stands out as a stabilizing force, guiding West Africa toward a future where constitutional order is non-negotiable,” he stated.
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