THE Federal Government, on Sunday, dismissed reports of an alleged coup attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressing full confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and their loyalty to democratic governance.
News Point Nigeria reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in an interview while reacting to a viral report that claimed 16 military officers were being detained over an alleged failed coup.
On Saturday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through its Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, categorically denied the report, describing it as “fake and mischievous.”
Gusau, in the statement, said the report was intended to create unnecessary tension, fear, and distrust among Nigerians, insisting that the military remained loyal to the Constitution and committed to safeguarding the nation’s stability.
“The cancellation of the Independence Day parade was purely administrative,” Gusau clarified, explaining that it was done to enable President Tinubu attend an important bilateral meeting abroad and to allow troops focus on ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.
He further disclosed that the ongoing internal investigation involving 16 officers was a “routine disciplinary process,” not a coup-related matter.
“An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public when concluded,” Gusau said, assuring Nigerians that “democracy is forever.”
When contacted on Sunday, the Information Minister reinforced the government’s trust in the military’s position on the matter, saying there was “no reason to doubt the Defence Headquarters.”
“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military. We believe in their professionalism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” Idris said.
“The government commends the Armed Forces for their continuous sacrifices and will continue to support them in their task of securing the nation.”
However, opposition parties have urged the Federal Government and military authorities to come clean about the alleged coup reports, calling for transparency and accountability.
Speaking with News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, said Nigerians deserve to know the facts surrounding the detention of the 16 officers.
“They should let us know what actually happened,” Johnson said. “We must know the charges and whether they are facing a court-martial or not. That is part of due process. Over time, we’ll know if the military is telling the truth or concealing something.”
Similarly, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Tony Akeni, expressed concern over what he described as “mixed signals” from the military.
“The military seems to be speaking with two mouths,” Akeni said. “They say the officers were detained over disciplinary issues, yet some internal sources claim there was indeed a plot. The Armed Forces must be courageous enough to present the facts so that innocent people don’t suffer.”
In the same vein, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the situation underscores the need for clarity and truth.
“We need to establish the authenticity of the alleged coup story before drawing conclusions,” Tanko said. “There are insinuations that the news may have been planted for political reasons, especially considering growing public frustration with the government’s performance.”
He added that “people are hungry, angry, and feel manipulated,” noting that such sentiments can easily fuel rumours of instability, even within the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has cautioned against any attempt to derail Nigeria’s democratic process.
The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to defend democracy and resist any unconstitutional change of government.
“A military coup will spell doom for Nigeria. No matter the challenges, democracy remains the only viable path forward,” Afenifere stated.
The Defence Headquarters also reiterated its commitment to the country’s unity, sovereignty, and democratic institutions, urging Nigerians to disregard fake reports and remain calm.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and to the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” the military reaffirmed.