By Hajara Abdullahi
The Federal Government has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, an attempted unconstitutional change of government in the neighboring Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025.
This was revealed in a statement signed and posted on X by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Sunday.
According to Kimiebi, the act serves as both a destabilization and an assault on democracy and the collective will of the people, who have consistently demonstrated their peaceful commitment to democratic governance.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” he said.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, which serve as the fundamental pillars for peace, development, and regional stability. He added that unconstitutional changes of government are unacceptable and constitute a retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of the sub-region.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region,” he added.
While describing Nigeria as a core partner within ECOWAS and the African Union, he reaffirmed the country’s call to all member states and the international community to speak with one voice in condemning the act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
President Tinubu had earlier ordered the Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to take over the country’s airspace following a call for Nigeria’s immediate support, in view of the urgency of the situation and the need to safeguard the constitutional order.