"Why Any Coup Plot Will Be Dismantled in 48 Hours," Ex-APC Presidential Aspirant Speaks

• Reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have triggered reactions among Nigerians, including prominent individuals
• The military has maintained its stand regarding the protection of President Tinubu's government, declaring that 'the Armed Forces remains firmly loyal to the federal government under the leadership of the Nigerian leader'
• In a notable message, ex-presidential aspirant Adamu Garba explained why the Armed Forces taking over Tinubu's led-democratic government would not succeed

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.

FCT, Abuja - Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asserted that no coup campaign or plot 'will survive' in Nigeria.

Legit.ng recalls that media reports broke the news of an attempted foiled coup, on Saturday, October 18, referencing sources and a recent report by the defence headquarters (DHQ) on disciplinary action against some officers.

Read also

US threat: Ex-Chief of Army Staff accuses America of plan to establish military base in Nigeria

The online newspapers' report, widely circulated on social media platforms, sparked widespread tension across the country.

One of the reports, by Premium Times, cited a source as saying some officers allegedly planned a bloody putsch in which some top government officials were marked for assassination. According to people with knowledge of the matter, key officials allegedly targeted for assasination include President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaker of the house of representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

A top military source familiar with the development disclosed that the alleged coup plot caused tension in government, forcing the presidency to cancel the national Independence Day parade usually done on October 1.

There are no clear details about the identities of the officers involved yet.

Reacting, Garba stated that in the event a coup is planned, "international actors will come in, dismantle the plotters and restore democracy."

Read also

Christian Genocide: Knocks as Trump's adviser asks US to establish military base in Nig's oil state

He wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Sunday, October 19:

"In case you don’t know, no coup plot, even if successful, will survive in Nigeria.

"Since 1999, Nigeria signed democracy protection treaty with the United States, Europe and even China. Any attempt to take over the government through a military coup will be dismantled within the first 48 hours of the process.

"International actors will come in, dismantle the plotters and restore democracy.

"So it is foolish, in the first place to even make an attempt to do what is going to ordinarily be a self-murder mission in Nigeria.

"After all, the information was confirmed to be incorrect by the Nigerian Military."

'Coup plot report baseless' - DHQ

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed reports alleging a foiled coup attempt by some officers to overthrow the current administration.

The military high command, through a statement issued on Saturday, October 18, by the director of defence information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, stated that the coup plot claims by the online newspapers were “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

Read also

Peter Obi makes cryptic comment on Trump's threat: "Both countries must work"

The statement partly reads:

"The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR."

Alleged coup: Civil society leader sends message to Tinubu

John Andah, the executive director of ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, said the alleged plot, if true, is "deeply troubling and strikes at the heart of our democratic stability."

Andah told Legit.ng that beyond the shock of the story, it raises serious questions about accountability and discipline within Nigeria's security institutions.

He said:

"Ideally, I expect President Bola Tinubu himself to publicly address this development, not keep silent. The people need to hear from their leader, especially to show that he is responsive to the concerns of citizens amid the current hardship in the country.

Read also

Shinkafi, 4 other areas in Nigeria that may be affected if US carries out strikes

"That said, no level of economic frustration can ever justify any attempt to take power outside our constitutional provisions. At a time when Nigerians are yearning for transparent and accountable governance, any threat to constitutional order must be met with a swift, credible, and transparent investigation."

Tinubu touches down in Abuja

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu returned to Abuja following his participation in the Aqaba process heads of state and government-level meeting held in Rome, Italy.

The forum brought together global leaders to discuss new strategies for combating terrorism and violent extremism, with particular focus on threats facing West Africa.

Source: Legit.ng