Utterly unacceptable, Atiku condemns Benin coup attempt

A file photo of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

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A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday condemned the attempted coup in Benin Republic, describing it as “utterly unacceptable” and a threat to democratic governance in West Africa.

In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku said, “I condemn, without reservation and in the strongest possible terms, the coup d’état in the Benin Republic.

“This reckless trend of assault on constitutional order is utterly unacceptable, not only because of its dangerous proximity, but because the era of military interference in governance is long over in Africa and our sub-region.

“It is concerning that these coups are happening around election times in the affected countries.”

The attempted coup comes ahead of the Benin presidential election scheduled for April 2026.

It was announced on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning by a group identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, who claimed to have seized power, removed President Patrice Talon, and dissolved all state institutions.

According to military and security sources, around a dozen soldiers, including the ringleaders of the attempted coup, have been arrested. One source said 13 arrests were made, with all detainees serving in the military except one former soldier.

However, the presidency assured that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order.

A government spokesperson described the coup as the work of “a small group” with limited influence, adding, “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Atiku Abubakar highlighted the timing of the incident as particularly concerning, pointing to a similar military takeover in Guinea-Bissau just before that country’s election results were announced.

“This trend is dangerous for the health of democracy in the West African sub-region and must be stopped before it becomes the rule and not the exception.

“Soldiers have no business anywhere outside their barracks, and every decisive measure must be taken to crush any emerging appetite for subverting democracy.”

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