Tension in Nigeria as Coup Rumours Rock Military: Lawyers, Civil Groups Rally Behind Democracy
Reports of an alleged coup plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have sparked outrage across Nigeria, drawing condemnation from senior lawyers, civil society groups, and retired generals who warned against any attempt to derail democracy.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has, however, dismissed the reports, stressing that there was “no coup-related detention or plan within the Armed Forces.”
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the military was unaware of any plot to overthrow the government.
“I am not aware that people were detained for a coup. We didn’t issue any new statements on the 16 people we earlier confirmed were detained. What we issued remains valid, and there’s no update on that. If there’s any, we’ll let the public know,” Gusau stated.
In the earlier statement issued on October 4, Gusau clarified that the 16 officers were arrested for breaching military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement read in part.
However, Sahara Reporters claimed that the detained officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency over an alleged plan to overthrow the government.
A security source quoted by Sunday PUNCH insisted that the arrests were connected to a coup attempt.
“The arrests began on September 30, a day before Independence Day. Those arrested are more than 16, and all are military personnel led by a general. The plan was to strike on October 1, but it was aborted following the arrests,” the source said.
Senior Lawyers Reject Coup Plot
Prominent lawyers have roundly condemned the alleged plot, describing any form of military intervention as unconstitutional and retrogressive.
Human rights advocate, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), said Nigerians must reject every form of dictatorship—civilian or military.
“Nobody is allowed to govern Nigeria in any way inconsistent with the Constitution. We say no to all forms of military rule and dictatorship, whether by civilians or those in uniform,” he stated.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s economic challenges, Adegboruwa maintained that democracy remains the most viable system of government.
“It’s true that people are suffering, but the worst civilian government is still better than the best dictatorship. We must never go back to Egypt,” he added.
Another senior lawyer, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), described any talk of a coup as “unwarranted, unnecessary, and condemnable,” warning that such an act would have disastrous consequences for Nigeria and the continent.
“No system is perfect, but it’s better to have an imperfect democracy than a so-called perfect military regime,” he said.
He blamed the renewed coup rhetoric on “uncultured youths” unfamiliar with the horrors of past military eras.
“Those who suffered under military regimes are not the ones calling for coups—it’s mostly young people who don’t understand the deprivation of those times,” Adegoke noted.
Similarly, Yusuf Ali (SAN) said military intervention would be catastrophic.
“We’re still suffering from the consequences of prolonged military rule. Most of our developmental challenges have their roots in those years,” he said, stressing that democracy offers inclusion, accountability, and long-term development.
For Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), any call for a coup is outdated and ill-conceived.
“The Defence Headquarters has already denied any coup attempt. Since 1999, we’ve enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule. Anyone who lived through military regimes would never wish for their return,” he said.
Retired Generals, Civil Societies Stand for Democracy
Retired military officers have also rejected the alleged plot, urging Nigerians to remain calm and trust the professionalism of the current Armed Forces.
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said,
“This whole story appears politically motivated. The military is solidly behind President Bola Tinubu. The leadership remains steadfast and loyal.”
Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) also dismissed the rumours, describing today’s military as “professional, disciplined, and globally trained.”
“These are not the soldiers of the 1980s. They are professionals, well-versed in peacekeeping, modern warfare, and constitutional order,” he stated.
Similarly, Brigadier General George Emdin (retd.) said,
“I don’t believe the report is true. Those in charge now are not like that. If the leadership isn’t involved, then forget it—it can’t happen.”
Civil Society Leaders Condemn Coup Talks
Leaders of civil society organisations also reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, urged government agencies to investigate the reports thoroughly.
“Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. Military coups and dictatorships can never be part of our political future,” he said.
Similarly, Debo Adeniran, Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), said any coup attempt would be “a political misadventure.”
“The era of military intervention is long gone. Any coup now will be a misadventure—Nigerians no longer tolerate military rule,” he warned.
Adeniran also noted that countries in the Sahel currently under military control are facing serious consequences, cautioning that Nigeria must not follow that path.
Nigerians Back Democracy on Social Media
Across social media, many Nigerians voiced strong support for constitutional governance.
A lawyer, Ofili Onwugbenu, posted on Facebook:
“I don’t want to believe these reports. A coup d’état now would signal the end of Nigeria. If true, those involved should be punished severely to deter others.”
Another user on X (formerly Twitter), Femi Aduwo, wrote:
“We may have a fragile democracy, but it’s still democracy. The truth will eventually surface, and secrecy cannot suppress it.”
Tolulope Adelaja, another user, said:
“Coup in 2025? Under Tinubu’s watch? Those days are gone. The government is fixing the economy and reforming the military—no return to the dark ages.”
A tech expert, Agba Akin, also noted:
“If anything happens to the president, this country will suffer a fate worse than 1966. Long live President Tinubu and long live Nigeria.”
Political analyst Bashiru Akanbi added,
“A coup is not advisable. But Nigeria must fix living conditions quickly, or such rumours may persist.”
Additional reports by Ismaeel Uthman, Godfrey George, Daniel Ayantoye, Olufemi Adediran, and Ayoola Olasupo.
