FG Backs Military, Dismisses Coup Rumour as Opposition Seeks Transparency

The Federal Government has thrown its full support behind the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) following widespread reports of an alleged failed coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Sunday that the government had “no reason to doubt” the military’s official position, reaffirming confidence in the Armed Forces’ loyalty to Nigeria’s democracy. “The Federal Government believes that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity,” Idris said. “We commend the military and will continue to support them in their constitutional duties.”

On Saturday, the Defence Headquarters strongly denied a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that 16 detained officers were linked to a failed coup plot. Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the report as “false and intended to create unnecessary tension,” clarifying that the officers’ investigation was a “routine internal process” to uphold discipline and professionalism. Gusau explained that the government’s decision to cancel the October 1 Independence Day parade was purely administrative, allowing President Tinubu to attend an international engagement and enabling troops to focus on counterinsurgency operations. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief,” Gusau said. “Democracy is forever.”

Despite the government’s reassurance, opposition parties have called for transparency. Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), urged authorities to disclose details of the officers’ detention. “Nigerians deserve to know the truth. Are these officers facing a court-martial or not? The military must come clean,” he said. Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, expressed concern over “mixed signals” from the military, urging clarity to prevent misinformation. “If this is truly a disciplinary matter, the public deserves a factual explanation,” he noted.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, cautioned against jumping to conclusions, suggesting the rumours might reflect public frustration with governance. “People are angry and feel manipulated. That frustration can easily fuel speculation,” Tanko said.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, also weighed in, warning against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order. In separate statements, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, and National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said a coup would “spell disaster” for Nigeria and reverse decades of democratic progress. “The Constitution clearly states that government can only be changed through constitutional means,” Ajayi said. “Whatever the nation’s challenges, military rule is not the answer.”

Omololu added that the group “stands firmly with democracy,” urging any ambitious officers to resign and seek office through elections. “The military exists to defend the Constitution, not to desecrate it,” he said. “To take up arms against the Republic is treason.”

Afenifere praised President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms and the military’s loyalty, urging Nigerians to reject any unconstitutional change of government.

The Federal Government and Defence Headquarters have dismissed rumours of a failed coup against President Tinubu as false and destabilizing. While opposition parties call for greater transparency, pro-democracy groups like Afenifere have reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s democratic system and warned against any return to military rule.