Former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has said no successful military coup in Nigeria’s history occurred without the involvement or support of civilians.
IBB, who turns 85 on Monday, made the remarks in an interview with Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking his birthday.
According to THISDAY, the former military leader said wealthy civilians had historically played significant roles in supporting and sponsoring military takeovers.
“No successful coup in Nigeria’s history had occurred without civilian involvement,” he said.
IBB recalls Mamman Vatsa coup plot
Babangida also revisited the events surrounding the 1985 plot to overthrow his government, which led to the execution of Mamman Vatsa, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
He said he initially struggled to believe allegations linking Vatsa to the plot because the two men were schoolmates, close associates and military colleagues.
“Initially, I found it difficult to believe reports linking Vatsa to a planned coup because of our long-standing friendship and shared history,” Babangida said.
According to him, he summoned Vatsa and Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after a senior military officer informed him that both men had been mentioned in connection with the alleged plot.
“When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my government. Both of them denied any involvement,” he said.
A military commission of inquiry was subsequently established to investigate the allegations.
Babangida said the panel cleared Nasko but found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.
“While General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing, the panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot,” he said.
He described the outcome as devastating, saying his personal relationship with Vatsa could not shield him from the consequences of military law.
“There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” Babangida said.
Vatsa was executed by firing squad in March 1986.
Babangida and Vatsa grew up together, attended Bida Middle School, now Government College Bida, graduated in the same year and later joined the military together.
IBB urges Nigerians to remain hopeful
On Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, Babangida urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He expressed optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts would eventually deliver positive results for the country.
