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

Reacting to the development in a statement issued via X, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said Tinubu’s actions demonstrated 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.

“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,” the presidential aide said.

Olusegun added that by standing firm with Benin’s elected authorities: “Tinubu ensured that Nigeria continues 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.”

He, however, said the failed coup was a reminder of the fragility of democratic transitions across the region but noted that it was also a testament to the importance of strong, principled leadership.

He added: “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 stabilising force, guiding West Africa toward a future where constitutional order is non-negotiable.’’

ADC to FG: If you can act in Benin overnight, why not protect Nigerians?

But African Democratic Congress, ADC, disagreed with the Presidency, saying the speed of President Tinubu’s action only highlighted how slowly government responds to the insecurity tormenting communities across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, ADC said the development raised important questions about government’s priorities, respect for constitutional processes, and commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives.

The party acknowledged that Nigeria’s prompt response in Benin was commendable, but argued that the contrast with the country’s domestic security failures was becoming too glaring to ignore.

“African Democratic Congress, ADC, welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in Benin Republic, following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood,” Abdullahi said.

Even so, the party stressed that any such intervention must still follow constitutional procedures, noting that military or security deployment outside Nigeria requires approval of the National Assembly, as clearly outlined in the Constitution.

ADC also raised concerns over what it described as an inconsistent pattern in Nigeria’s foreign interventions, recalling government’s hesitation during the instability in Guinea-Bissau, especially at a time a former Nigerian President was reportedly caught up in the crisis.

“Why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?” the party queried.

According to ADC, such inconsistencies only fuel speculation that Nigeria’s rapid move in Benin may have been influenced by interests outside the country, a perception it says undermines Nigeria’s credibility as a regional leader.

But beyond foreign policy, the party said the Benin action drew attention to something far more troubling; government’s inability to act with equal urgency against bandits, terrorists, and violent criminals who continue to terrorise Nigerians.

“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity?” the ADC queried.

It argued that no government can lay claim to defending democracy abroad while citizens at home remain at the mercy of violent groups, adding that the first responsibility of any administration is to protect its people.