Rumours of a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration have sparked nationwide outrage, with the Defence Headquarters denying the claims and Nigerians from various sectors warning against any return to military rule.
Reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government have triggered widespread outrage among Nigerians, including senior lawyers, civil society leaders, and retired military officers.
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the claims, insisting there was no coup-related detention or activity within the military. “I am not aware that people were detained for a coup… If there’s an update, we will let the public know,” said Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Media Operations.
An online report had alleged that several officers, including a brigadier general, were arrested for plotting to seize power on October 1. However, the military clarified that the detained personnel were being investigated for indiscipline and promotion grievances.
Senior lawyers condemned the alleged coup plot, calling it unconstitutional. “The worst civilian government is still preferable to the best dictatorship,” said Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN). Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described the idea as “unnecessary and condemnable.”
Retired officers and civil society leaders also rejected any attempt to subvert democracy. Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) urged Nigerians to remain calm, saying, “These are not the soldiers of the 1980s… they are professionals loyal to constitutional order.”
Activists, including Samson Itodo of YIAGA Africa, called for full investigations, warning that “coups and dictatorships can never be a conversation on the table in Nigeria.”