A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has revealed the grievances he said motivated an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the major concerns discussed by individuals allegedly involved in the failed coup plot.
He disclosed that conversations about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.
Ma’aji said senior military authorities ought to have taken stronger action in response to the worsening security situation. He added that the group subsequently began identifying military officers who shared similar concerns about the state of the country.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.
The colonel further claimed that the alleged plan was initially suspended due to a lack of funding, logistics and manpower, adding that he personally provided a significant portion of the early funding.
According to him, one Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer allegedly provided funds in US dollars on several occasions.
Ma’aji also disclosed that the alleged coup plan was revived after he failed to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General for the second time in 2024.
However, he stressed that the failed promotion was not the main reason behind the alleged movement.
He listed the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariff increases, corruption and insecurity among the issues that fuelled dissatisfaction with the government.
The Army officer also referenced the government’s handling of protests, including the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, claiming that widespread unemployment and economic hardship had left many young Nigerians frustrated.
Ma’aji’s account comes amid allegations surrounding an attempted military takeover, with authorities investigating individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged plot.
BACKSTORY:
The allegations surrounding the purported coup plot have generated renewed attention to the political and security situation in Nigeria. Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has reportedly provided an account of the grievances that he said motivated discussions about military intervention.
According to his account, the discussions began in 2023 and were driven by concerns over insecurity, corruption, economic hardship and several government policies. He also claimed that the alleged plan faced funding, logistical and manpower challenges before being revived in 2024.
Ma’aji further linked the alleged movement to frustration over issues including fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs and the government’s handling of major protests. He maintained, however, that his unsuccessful bid for promotion was not the primary motivation for the alleged coup plot.
