Federal Government Addresses Alleged Coup Plot
The Federal Government has addressed recent reports of an alleged failed coup aimed at toppling the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed in an interview that the government has full confidence in the military and does not question the stance of the Defence Headquarters, which had previously dismissed the report as false.
On Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, issued a statement denying a news report by Sahara Reporters, which linked the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup. The online newspaper had connected the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
Gusau condemned the report, stating it was intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the public. He explained that the cancellation of the October 1 anniversary parade was purely administrative, allowing President Tinubu to attend a bilateral meeting abroad and enabling troops to focus on ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.
He emphasized that “Democracy is forever” and stated that the investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. An investigative panel has been formed, and its findings will be made public.
When contacted for the Federal Government’s position, the information minister described the matter as “a military affair.” He reiterated that the government has no reason to doubt the military and believes the Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and combating insecurity.
However, opposition parties have called for transparency from both the government and military authorities. The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, urged the government to reveal the truth about the alleged coup plot and the nature of the charges against the detained officers. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve to know whether the military is lying or if the report of soldiers planning a coup is true.
Similarly, the Interim National Publicivity Secretary of the Labour Party, Tony Akeni, expressed concern over the military speaking with “two mouths.” He noted that while the military claims the detained officers are under disciplinary measures, sources within the ranks suggest there may be more to the story. Akeni appealed to the military to act courageously and disclose the actual facts to prevent innocent lives from suffering.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of the alleged coup story before taking any action. He pointed out that some people believe the statement might be planted news to gain traction, especially given public discontent over the government’s performance. Tanko added that anger in the military could stem from frustration with the current situation.
In its Saturday statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and urged Nigerians to disregard rumors of instability. It emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the Constitution and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has warned against any attempt to truncate Nigeria’s democratic process. It declared that a military takeover would be disastrous for the country and reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration. Afenifere urged Nigerians to resist any unconstitutional change of government.
Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, said a military coup would set the country back by decades. He emphasized that the constitution clearly states that government cannot be changed except through constitutional means. Ajayi urged ambitious officers not to embark on any “calamitous mission” and warned those inciting such acts to desist, describing a coup as “an ill wind.”
Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, condemned any plot or attempt to overthrow the government. He highlighted that Nigerians stand united in their rejection of military intervention into governance. Omololu noted that past military interventions have left lasting scars, including institutional collapse, economic retrogression, and political repression.
Omololu reaffirmed Afenifere’s faith in democracy as the only legitimate instrument for leadership renewal and national advancement. He praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating they provide a lawful framework for steering the nation toward recovery and development. He warned that any military officer with political ambitions should resign and test their popularity at the ballot box, emphasizing that the armed forces exist to defend the Constitution, not to desecrate it.
From 1966 to 1979, every coup was justified under the guise of combating corruption, yet corruption persisted under military administrations. Omololu urged the Chief of Defence Staff and all patriotic officers to uphold the nation’s sovereignty and ensure the Nigerian state is never held hostage by the gun.
