Nigerians have begun to react as an alleged President Bola Tinubu coup plot emerged on the headlines on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
The alleged Tinubu coup plot came to light after reports emerged that some military personnel were recently arrested over the conspiracy to overthrow the government.
The coup plot speculation was ignited by reports from various online media, citing high-level security sources.
These accounts alleged that between 16 and 20 officers, including those ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Sources claimed the officers were holding secret meetings to plan a takeover, with some reports even suggesting the plot included a scheme to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The reports further claimed the alleged plot was the true reason behind the abrupt cancellation of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade on October 1st.
Nigerian Military Reacts
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the alleged Tinubu coup plot.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, and titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt,” the military authorities on Saturday urged Nigerians to disregard the “malicious and tension-inducing claims” circulating in sections of the media.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup,” the statement read in part.
According to Gusau, the decision to cancel the parade was simply to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement added.
Gusau reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain “firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He explained that the ongoing investigation involving sixteen officers was “a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” and not connected to any coup attempt. An investigative panel, he added, has been constituted and its findings would be made public.
“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the Defence Headquarters declared.
Nigerians React
The development has stirred reactions from
many Nigerians.
Reacting to the alleged Tinubu coup plot, Human rights lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), said Nigeria must reject every form of military rule or dictatorship.
He insisted that no hardship or political dissatisfaction justified truncating democracy.
Adegboruwa stated: “It is the same thing we said about the appointment of a sole administrator for Rivers State by the President. Nobody is allowed to govern Nigeria in any way that is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We say no to all forms of military regime and no to all forms of dictatorship—whether by civilians or those in uniform.
“It is true that people are suffering and many are not satisfied with the situation of things in the country. But the worst civilian government is still preferable to the best dictatorship. We will keep learning from our democratic experiences and continue to get better. Surely, we cannot go back to Egypt.”
Similarly, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described any talk of a coup as “unwarranted, unnecessary, and condemnable,” warning that such an action would have disastrous consequences for Nigeria and the African continent.
He asserted: “Whatever the limitations in our democracy, no system in the world is perfect. It is better to have an imperfect democracy than a so-called perfect military regime.
“Those who suffered under military regimes are not the ones calling for coups. It is mostly young people who do not understand the pain and deprivation of those eras.”
Another senior lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), said military intervention in governance would be catastrophic.
He warned that the nation was still grappling with the adverse effects of past military regimes.
“I don’t want to believe that any Nigerian in uniform will think about such a thing. We are still suffering from the consequences of prolonged military rule. Most of our developmental challenges today have their roots in those years,” Ali said.
Similarly, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) said Nigerians who lived through military regimes would never wish for their return.
He stated: “I read that the Defence Headquarters denied that there was a coup or a coup attempt. It is no longer the vogue in Nigeria. Since 1999, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule. We may not yet be where we should be, but anyone who has experienced military regimes will never pray to see another one.”
Likewise, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described reports of a coup plot as politically motivated.
He opined: “I believe the whole thing must have been instigated by politicians who are hell-bent on discrediting the present administration. The military is solidly behind President Bola Tinubu. Those at the hierarchy are steadfast and committed to the president.”
In the same vein, Brigadier General Peter Aro (retd.) urged Nigerians to dismiss the alleged Tinubu coup plot.
According to Aro, the present crop of officers was professional and committed to democratic principles.
He said: “With due respect, I have read the reports and listened to the waves of speculation surrounding the alleged detention of some military personnel for plotting a coup. While such stories naturally raise public concern, we must interpret them with a sense of balance, not fear.
“The military hierarchy has already spoken clearly: that this noise largely emanates from disgruntled elements dissatisfied with promotion decisions. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the transparency and confidence of the current leadership.
“Frankly, I find it strange that in 2025, anyone would even whisper the word ‘coup’ in a country whose military has evolved this far. These are not the soldiers of the 1980s. This generation of officers is a product of global military standards, well-trained in peacekeeping operations, exposed to modern warfare ethics, and deeply aware of the irreparable damage coups have done to Africa’s political and moral foundations. They are not men of the banana-republic era. They are professionals—intellectually grounded, disciplined, and loyal to constitutional order.”
