Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing the development as unacceptable and a serious threat to democratic governance in West Africa. The attempted takeover occurred on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced they had seized control of government operations in the neighbouring country.
Shortly after the announcement, the Benin Republic presidency confirmed that President Patrice Talon was safe and that the regular army had begun restoring order. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also intervened by conducting combat air patrols over Cotonou to support the Beninese government in stabilising the situation.
Atiku expressed deep concern over what he called a disturbing trend of assaults on constitutional rule across the sub-region. He stressed that military interference in governance has no place in modern Africa and must be confronted decisively.
He noted that recent coups often occur around election periods, raising suspicions of deliberate attempts to disrupt or undermine democratic processes. Citing examples, he pointed out that Benin’s presidential election is slated for April 2026, while the attempted military takeover in Guinea-Bissau happened just before the expected release of election results.
According to Atiku, such developments suggest that certain political actors may be manipulating the military to derail democratic systems. He warned that if not immediately addressed, these actions could normalize unconstitutional power grabs and endanger the future of democracy in West Africa.
Describing the trend as dangerous and unacceptable, he called for united regional action to prevent further instability. Atiku emphasized that soldiers must remain in their barracks and that governments must adopt firm measures to eliminate any emerging appetite for subverting democracy.
Agnes Ekebuike Editor, Naija247news ✔
Agnes Ekebuike is the Editor of Naija247news.com. A seasoned journalist with expertise in Business, Energy, Politics, and Entertainment, she is known for her in-depth reporting and insightful storytelling. Agnes is passionate about delivering news that informs, empowers, and sparks meaningful dialogue across Nigeria and beyond.
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