Benin foiled coup shows Tinubu’s role in West Africa’s stability – Presidency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Photo: State House

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The Presidency has described Nigeria’s response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in promoting peace and constitutional order across West Africa.

PUNCH Online reported that soldiers operating under the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, briefly seized the state television station in Cotonou on Sunday, announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s administration.

However, the Benin government said the plotters were quickly dislodged by loyalist forces.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued via X on Monday, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said Tinubu’s actions demonstrate a firm commitment to constitutional order in the sub-region.

“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,” the aide said.

“While Benin’s loyal forces rapidly contained the mutiny, Nigeria’s prompt and unequivocal condemnation helped shape the regional response and reinforced a zero-tolerance stance toward unlawful power grabs.”

Olusegun added that by standing firmly with Benin’s elected authorities, “Tinubu ensured that Nigeria continued to lead by example, advocating dialogue, stability, and constitutionalism.

“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, pushing for robust collective action when democratic institutions come under threat.”

Olusegun, however, said the failed coup is a reminder of the fragility of democratic transitions across the region.

But he noted it is also a testament to the importance of strong, principled leadership.

“President Tinubu’s rapid, coherent, and resolute response reinforced Nigeria’s traditional role as the anchor of West African stability.

“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,” the presidential aide said.

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