Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to democratic governance.

On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced a takeover of the government in the West African country.

Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said President Patrice Talon is safe, and the “regular” army is regaining control.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also assisted the Beninese government by carrying out combat air patrol around Cotonou, the Benin Republic capital.

Abubakar said the trend of assaults on constitutional order is worrisome, especially because military interference in governance is no longer acceptable in Africa and in the sub-region.

“I condemn, without reservation and in the strongest possible terms, the coup d’état in the Benin Republic,” he said.

The politician added that the timing of recent coups, often close to elections, raises serious concerns about attempts to undermine democratic processes.

“The Benin presidential election is scheduled for April 2026 while the purported military take over in Guinea-Bissau happened on the eve of the expected announcement of the results of that country’s poll,” he said.

He warned that political actors may be using the military to cancel democratic processes.

“It raises fears that some political operators may be using the military to cancel the democratic processes,” he added.

Abubakar said the trend poses a danger to democracy in the West African sub-region.

“This trend is dangerous for the health of democracy in the West African sub-region and must be stopped before it becomes the rule and not the exception,” he said.

He said soldiers should remain in their barracks.

“Soldiers have no business anywhere outside their barracks, and every decisive measure must be taken to crush any emerging appetite for subverting democracy,” he added.