The Federal Government has broken its silence on rumours of a failed coup plot, backing the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) dismissal of the report as false.
In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the government fully trusts the military and has no reason to doubt its official position.
“The Federal Government believes the Armed Forces remain committed to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and fighting insecurity,” Idris said.
The DHQ had on Saturday denied claims by Sahara Reporters that the recent detention of 16 military officers was linked to a coup attempt.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the story was “intended to cause unnecessary tension,” clarifying that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was purely administrative, allowing the President to attend bilateral meetings and giving troops operational flexibility.
Gusau reiterated the military’s loyalty to the Constitution, stating, “Democracy is forever,” and explained that the officers’ detention was part of a standard internal disciplinary process.
However, opposition parties are urging the government and military to be transparent.
Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said the public deserves clarity. “Let us know what actually happened. Are the officers facing a court-martial or not?” he asked.
Labour Party’s Interim Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, expressed concern over what he called mixed signals from the military. “They say it’s disciplinary, yet internal sources suggest otherwise. The military must be truthful and protect innocent lives,” he warned.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, leader of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, emphasized verifying the truth before drawing conclusions. He suggested public frustration with governance may have fueled the rumours. “People are hungry and tired of being manipulated,” he added.
Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has strongly opposed any threat to democratic rule.
Speaking to to the media, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said a coup would be disastrous, warning military officers with political ambitions to avoid “calamitous missions.” He stated, “The Constitution provides only one path to power — democratic elections.”
Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, issued a stern statement condemning any potential military intervention.
“Any coup attempt is an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty. The scars of past military regimes remain,” he said, highlighting the historical consequences of military rule, including repression and economic decline.
He praised ongoing reforms under President Tinubu, describing them as a legitimate path to recovery. “The armed forces exist to defend the Constitution — not destroy it. Treason will not be tolerated,” he warned.
Omololu urged any politically-minded officers to resign and seek office through the ballot, not force. “From 1966 to 1979, military takeovers failed to end corruption. Let that history be a warning.”
In its official stance, the military stressed its allegiance to democratic governance and urged the public to ignore destabilizing rumours.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the Constitution and to President Bola Tinubu,” Brig. Gen. Gusau stated.
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