Coup Rocks Benin Republic as Soldiers Attack President Talon’s Residence, Seize State TV

Cotonou, Sunday — Tension engulfed Benin Republic in the early hours of Sunday as heavily armed soldiers launched what appears to be a coordinated coup attempt targeting President Patrice Talon and key state institutions.

According to credible security and diplomatic sources, gunfire erupted around President Talon’s private residence in the Le Guézo district of Cotonou at dawn, forcing residents in nearby streets to flee or take shelter indoors. Troops believed to be part of an elite military unit reportedly stormed the premises in an attempt to arrest the president. His whereabouts remained unknown at press time.

Shortly after the attack, a group of uniformed soldiers took over the national broadcaster, Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (ORTB). Interrupting regular programming, the soldiers announced the dissolution of the government and declared that President Talon had been removed from power. They introduced themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, claiming their intervention was necessary to “restore order” and “protect the nation.”

The broadcast was brief, and no independent verification of the president’s status has yet been possible.

Capital on Edge

Cotonou has been thrown into confusion as military vehicles, armed checkpoints, and troops have been deployed at strategic locations. Businesses remained shut, and movement in parts of the capital was severely restricted. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire as loyalist forces were believed to be regrouping.

Diplomatic missions in the city issued emergency advisories, urging their nationals to stay indoors pending clarity on the situation.

Uncertain Political Future

Benin, long regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has faced rising tensions in recent years. Analysts say Sunday’s events — if confirmed as a full-scale coup — mark the most serious challenge to Talon’s rule since he assumed office.

The attempted putsch comes months after the government announced it had foiled a previous plot involving senior political figures and members of the security establishment.

Regional Leaders Monitoring Situation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has struggled to manage a wave of coups across Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger, is expected to respond urgently. Diplomatic sources suggest that a high-level emergency meeting may be convened to assess the situation and consider possible sanctions or intervention.

Next Hours Critical

As the sun set over Cotonou on Sunday, uncertainty deepened. The military faction has yet to present President Talon to the public, fueling speculation about whether he is in hiding, in custody, or attempting to regain control.

For now, Benin stands on the edge of a political precipice, with the coming hours likely to determine whether the coup succeeds or sparks a broader confrontation between rival forces.

“We will get it right with security,” Obasa

…As Progressive Governors’ Forum Passes Vote of Confidence on President Tinubu

Despite the pervasive insecurity around the country, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has affirmed that with the support of all Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would get it right with his concerted reengineering of the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking at the APC Stakeholders and Progressives Governors Forum meeting held Saturday, December 6, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Obasa said he did not doubt that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government, would do all that they can to ensure that they secure the life and property of every Nigerian.

According to Obasa, “We have seen the president in action and how he is innovating and working hard to resolve our many challenges especially insecurity and we believe he will get it done. He’s still the man that can do it. That is why we must do everything within our powers to ensure that he is returned in 2027.”

Speaker Obasa teed off with robust commendations for the governors for their shared dedication and commitment to helping President Tinubu resolve Nigeria’s insecurity problem.

He urged them to galvanise their people when they return to their various states to be a part of the solution to Nigeria’s security challenge, and not stay aloof.

Speaker Obasa added that security is not just about the governors, “It is about everybody. We must all be involved in fighting this problem. We must give the President all the support that we can so that he will succeed in his attempts to redirect the trajectory of Nigeria.”

The PGF had converged on Lagos between December 5 and 6 for a meeting convened by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, and hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

In a communique read by Governor Uzodinma, the governors passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu’s administration, and pledged support for his Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election in 2027.

The Forum, according to Governor Uzodinma, reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. They also resolved to strengthen local security architecture in all the states.

Governor Uzodinma said that their two-day engagement provided an opportunity to review the nation’s current trajectory, deepen coordination among the governors, and reaffirm their firm support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The PGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to stabilizing the economy, strengthening national security, and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Ajadi Congratulates Adedamola As PDP Gov’ship Candidate In Osun

Governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State for the 2027 general election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated Adebayo Adedamola (popularly known as Fryo) on his emergence as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 Osun State election.

Adedamola clinched the party’s ticket on Tuesday after polling 919 votes out of 957, following the withdrawal and resignation of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the PDP.

The primary election, supervised by a committee led by Humphrey Abba and monitored by INEC officials under tight security, resulted in Adedamola being named the consensus candidate.

statement issued on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Ajadi described Adedamola’s victory as “a confirmation of the confidence the Osun PDP family and the people of the state have in his leadership capacity.”

He praised the peaceful conduct of the primary. He commended the delegates for what he called “a demonstration of true internal democracy needed to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun and the 2027 general elections nationwide.”

He said, “I heartily congratulate Adebayo Adedamola on his well-deserved emergence as the PDP governorship candidate in Osun State. His victory reflects the voice and will of dedicated party members who came out to uphold the values of democracy, transparency, and unity.”

He added that Adedamola’s emergence comes at a crucial time for the party in Osun and Nigeria as a whole.

“This victory is not just for Adedamola; it is for the PDP family and for the restoration of good governance in Osun State. I am confident he will give the people a credible, people-oriented, and development-driven campaign,” he said.

Ambassador Ajadi also commended the committee in charge of the primary for conducting a seamless exercise despite earlier uncertainties arising from internal party disagreements and Adeleke’s resignation.

The PDP has once again shown maturity in resolving internal issues and moving forward with a united front. I salute the leadership of our party and the committee led by Humphrey Abba for ensuring due process and fairness,” he added.

Ajadi urged party members in Osun State to rally behind their candidate as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has mandated political parties to submit names of flagbearers before December 15, ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship poll.

He expressed confidence that Adebayo Adedamola’s candidacy will energise the party ahead of the election.

I encourage all stakeholders, leaders, and loyal members of our party in Osun to unite in support of our candidate. Victory is assured when we speak with one voice,” he said.

As a 2027 Oyo State governorship hopeful, Ambassador Ajadi reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity across South-West PDP chapters and strengthening the party’s chances in future elections.

“The PDP is rising again in the South-West, and together we will build a stronger, more people-focused political movement for 2026 and 2027,” he reiterated.