An exiled opposition leader from the Republic of Benin has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, warning that the West African nation is on the brink of “civil war” unless Abuja intervenes to foster an inclusive political dialogue ahead of upcoming elections.
In a letter dated January 26, 2026, obtained by PUNCH on Tuesday, Romaric Boco, serving as Special Envoy of Les Démocrates for International Mobilization and Regional Dialogue — accused Beninese authorities of systematic persecution of opposition figures, including imprisonment, assassination and harassment of family members. Les Démocrates is a key opposition party in Benin, led by former president Boni Yayi.
“Writing from exile in Europe, where I have taken refuge for several months, I appeal to you on behalf of Benin’s democratic resistance,” Boco wrote. “Persecution targets the opposition: some leaders remain imprisoned since the failed coup of December 7, others have been assassinated, and my own wife was arrested when authorities could not find me at home.”
Boco’s letter paints a bleak picture of the political landscape in Benin following the fallout from a failed coup attempt on December 7, 2025, when a faction of soldiers briefly seized control of key installations in Cotonou before being ousted by government forces.
He highlighted the outcome of the January 11 legislative elections, which he said produced a National Assembly dominated entirely by pro-government deputies, effectively sidelining opposition forces. According to Boco:
“Benin faces its darkest hour. The January 11, 2026 legislative elections installed only pro-government deputies, and the opposition has been excluded from the April 2026 presidential vote. Without swift intervention, further unrest or civil war looms.”
In his appeal to President Tinubu, whose government played a pivotal role in helping to quell the December 2025 coup attempt at the behest of the Beninese authorities, Boco called for Nigeria’s leadership to help convene a broad-based national dialogue inclusive of all political stakeholders.
He also requested a personal audience with Tinubu at the earliest convenience, as well as assistance in arranging meetings with influential Nigerian governors that could support mediation efforts.
“Your Excellency, I humbly and respectfully request a personal audience at your earliest convenience. I also seek your assistance in facilitating meetings with key governors for this vital mediation effort. Your commitment to Benin’s democracy will be etched in our memory when constitutional order is restored. Nigerian solidarity can prevent chaos and preserve West African stability,” Boco wrote.
The letter underscores Nigeria’s critical role in regional security dynamics. During the December 2025 crisis, Nigerian forces were deployed, including fighter jets and ground troops, at the request of Beninese authorities to help restore constitutional order after the coup attempt.
Nigeria’s intervention aligns with its commitments under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has repeatedly underscored the need to protect democratic governance and stability across the region.
