On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Government addressed circulating rumors of a failed coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Information Minister Mohammed Idris, speaking to the media, expressed full confidence in the military’s stance.
On Saturday, the Defence Headquarters, through spokesperson Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, had dismissed claims of a coup plot as baseless, calling them efforts to stir unrest.
The rumors linked the detention of 16 military officers to an alleged coup tied to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.
Gusau clarified that the parade’s cancellation was a routine decision, allowing President Tinubu to attend an overseas bilateral meeting and support ongoing anti-insurgency operations.
Military’s Firm Denial
Gusau condemned the rumors as attempts to undermine public trust. “The officer detentions are part of a standard internal review to maintain discipline,” he explained. An investigative panel is examining the matter, with results to be shared publicly.
He reaffirmed the military’s loyalty, stating, “We stand by Nigeria’s Constitution and President Tinubu’s leadership. Democracy is our foundation.”
Idris echoed this, emphasizing the government’s trust in the armed forces’ commitment to national security and territorial integrity.
“We support our military’s efforts to keep Nigeria safe,” he said, dismissing the coup narrative as a military matter resolved by the Defence Headquarters.
Opposition Demands Clarity
Opposition parties urged transparency. Ladipo Johnson of the New Nigeria People’s Party called for details on the officers’ charges and whether they face a court-martial. “Nigerians deserve the truth,” he said. “We need to know if the military is hiding something or if the coup claims are false.”
Tony Akeni of the Labour Party found the military’s mixed messaging troubling. “They claim it’s just discipline, but some sources suggest otherwise,” he noted.
He urged the military to honor its oath and disclose facts to protect innocent lives. Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the Obidient Movement cautioned against jumping to conclusions, suggesting the rumors might be politically motivated amid public frustration over economic challenges.
Afenifere Warns Against Instability
The pan-Yoruba group Afenifere strongly opposed any disruption to Nigeria’s democracy. National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi warned that a coup would reverse decades of progress.
“Our Constitution allows change only through elections,” he said, urging ambitious officers to pursue politics legally. He praised Tinubu’s efforts to stabilize the economy, acknowledging public hardships but rejecting military rule as a solution.
Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, called coup attempts an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty. He recalled past military regimes’ failures, citing corruption and regional conflicts. “Democracy, though imperfect, is our path forward,” he said, commending the military’s vigilance and Tinubu’s reforms for economic recovery.
Path to Stability
The government and military’s unified stance aims to quell fears of instability. Afenifere’s warnings reflect a national consensus against unconstitutional change.
As investigations continue, public calls for openness highlight the need for trust in governance. Nigeria’s focus remains on strengthening democracy through lawful means, ensuring progress despite economic strains.
READ MORE: China and Canada Agree to Revive Dialogue and Strengthen Ties
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
