Ibrahim Babangida claims Nigerian coups require civilian support

Former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has asserted that no successful military coup in Nigeria’s history has occurred without the involvement or backing of civilians, particularly wealthy individuals who provide resources and legitimacy.

Reflecting on his 85th birthday, Babangida revisited the 1985 coup plot that led to the execution of his childhood friend and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, General Mamman Vatsa. Babangida stated that while he initially found it difficult to believe the allegations due to their long-standing friendship, a military commission of inquiry found evidence linking Vatsa to the plot.

Babangida described the outcome as devastating and noted that his hands were tied by military law, preventing him from intervening to exonerate Vatsa. He emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and addressing citizen concerns to prevent the conditions that encourage military intervention in politics.