We Won’t Back Coups, Illegal Power Changes

The Nigerian government has declared that it will “never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” as it denied claims of backing a failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this on Thursday in response to social media posts suggesting that the coup attempt had the backing of ECOWAS and, by implication, Nigeria.

“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” the ministry said in a statement signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

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The ministry said Nigeria’s position was made clear in an earlier press statement on August 30, 2026, where the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive return to stability and constitutional order.

“Nigeria is a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the Sahel and the continent of Africa,” the ministry said.

Nigerian Government urges ECOWAS to re-engage Sahel (NewsCentral TV)1 — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Credit: Kapital FM

The ministry noted that while Nigeria remains a committed member of ECOWAS, it was “unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup.”

“Any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,” the statement said.

The government urged Nigerians to disregard the videos and narratives circulating online from individuals seeking to sow discord.

Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, the ministry said.

“Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region.”

NIGERIA DID NOT AND WILL NEVER SUPPORT ANY MILITARY COUP OR UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT — HON. MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS pic.twitter.com/ew1oRjru5D

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria 🇳🇬 (@NigeriaMFA) September 3, 2026

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.