Why we planned coup against Tinubu – Colonel Ma’aji

A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma'aji, has revealed the primary motivation behind his plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. According to the Premium Times, Ma'aji stated that worsening insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship were among the grievances that were discussed by those supposedly involved in the failed coup.

He mentioned that the idea of military intervention had been floated as early as 2023, during the final stretch of former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. Ma'aji noted that things had gone downhill towards the end of Buhari's term, particularly concerning corruption and nepotism. The Colonel criticized senior military authorities for not responding more aggressively to the escalating security situation.

He went on to explain that the group eventually began identifying officers who had similar concerns. Ma'aji emphasized that the alleged coup plot was initially abandoned due to insufficient funding, logistics, and manpower, which he largely financed from his personal resources. He revealed that one Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer allegedly provided dollars on multiple occasions.

The military officer revealed that the alleged coup plot was revived after he failed to secure a promotion to Brigadier General for the second time in 2024. Despite his disappointment over the promotion, Ma'aji stressed that it was not the main reason for the alleged movement. He outlined various factors contributing to his dissatisfaction, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption, and insecurity.

Ma'aji also mentioned the handling of protests such as #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance, highlighting that many young Nigerians were frustrated over unemployment and economic hardship.