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Former military president Ibrahim Babangida says every successful coup in Nigeria was driven not only by soldiers but also by civilians who provided political influence, financial backing and strategic support.
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The ex-Head of State reveals how a military inquiry cleared Gen. Mohammed Gado Nasko but found his childhood friend, Gen. Mamman Vatsa, guilty of plotting to overthrow his government, leading to Vatsa’s execution in 1986.
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Babangida says he was heartbroken by Vatsa’s fate but insists military law left him with no option once the commission established his involvement in the alleged coup plot.
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s present challenges, the former military ruler urges citizens to remain hopeful and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will eventually deliver positive results.
August 15, (THEWILL) — Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd), has declared that every successful military coup in Nigeria’s history enjoyed the backing or active participation of civilians, saying military takeovers were never the exclusive enterprise of soldiers.
Babangida made the assertion during an interview with Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, ahead of his 85th birthday celebrations on Monday.
The former Head of State said wealthy and influential civilians had historically played significant roles in supporting, financing and facilitating military coups, insisting that no successful overthrow of a government by the armed forces had occurred without civilian involvement.
“No successful coup in Nigeria’s history had occurred without civilian involvement”, Babangida said, adding that civilians had always provided the political and financial support that enabled military interventions to succeed.
IBB Opens Up on Vatsa’s Execution
Babangida also revisited one of the most controversial episodes of his administration—the alleged 1985 coup plot involving his close friend and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Major General Mamman Vatsa.
He disclosed that he initially refused to believe intelligence reports linking Vatsa to the alleged conspiracy because of their lifelong relationship.
According to Babangida, both Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko were summoned to his office after a senior military officer informed him that their names had surfaced during investigations into the alleged plot.
He said both officers denied involvement when questioned.
Babangida explained that a military commission of inquiry was subsequently established to investigate the allegations.
While the panel cleared General Gado Nasko of any wrongdoing, it found sufficient evidence implicating Vatsa in the planned coup.
The former military ruler said the outcome left him devastated. He described Vatsa as more than a colleague, recalling that they grew up together, attended Bida Middle School—now Government College, Bida—graduated in the same year and enlisted in the Nigerian Army together.
Babangida said that despite their close bond, military law offered him no room to shield Vatsa from the consequences once the investigative panel established his involvement.
He described the execution of Vatsa in March 1986 by firing squad as one of the most painful moments of his leadership, saying he lost not only a senior military officer but also a brother and lifelong friend.
Calls for Patience With Tinubu
Turning to Nigeria’s current challenges, Babangida acknowledged the country’s economic hardship and persistent security concerns but urged Nigerians not to lose faith.
He expressed optimism that the reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration would eventually produce positive outcomes, calling on citizens to remain patient and support government efforts to stabilise the economy and improve security.
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Background
Babangida came to power in August 1985 after overthrowing the military government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari in a palace coup.
He remained Nigeria’s military president until August 1993, when he stepped aside following the political crisis triggered by the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest in the country’s history.
His administration introduced far-reaching economic reforms, including the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), but also faced sustained criticism over human rights concerns, political repression and the annulment of the June 12 election.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
