Fernando Dias da Costa

Fernando Dias da Costa is a 47-year-old Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate who ran for the Party for Social Renewal. He is currently newsworthy because he was granted asylum in Nigeria following a military coup in Guinea-Bissau that disrupted the announcement of the recent election results. The coup, which occurred on November 26, 2025, prevented the completion of the November 23 presidential election and led to the destruction of election materials by armed men. Citing threats to his life, Nigeria authorized special protection for Dias da Costa at its embassy before granting him asylum. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has since sent a delegation to Guinea-Bissau to mediate with the coup leaders, highlighting the regional significance of the situation and Dias da Costa's role as a key political figure affected by the unrest.