Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has disclosed the reasons behind an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, citing insecurity, corruption and worsening economic conditions among the major grievances.
According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said discussions about possible military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
He said the deteriorating situation in the country, particularly concerns over corruption and alleged nepotism, prompted some officers to consider military intervention.
“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 some senior military officers were dissatisfied with the worsening security situation and began identifying colleagues who shared their concerns about the country’s direction.
He described those allegedly involved as officers motivated by patriotism and a desire for what they considered positive change.
According to him, the alleged plan was initially abandoned because of challenges relating to funding, logistics and manpower. He claimed that he personally provided part of the early funding, while other officers also contributed financially.
Ma’aji further said the alleged plot was revived after he failed for the second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024. However, he maintained that the denied promotion was not the primary motivation behind the alleged movement.
He identified several government policies and national challenges as sources of dissatisfaction, including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.
The colonel also referenced the government’s handling of protests, including the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, arguing that unemployment and economic hardship had left many young Nigerians frustrated.
