Why we planned coup against Tinubu – Colonel Ma’aji
Nigerian Army Colonel Reveals Reasons Behind Alleged Coup Attempt
A Nigerian Army colonel has revealed motivations behind a planned coup aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu. Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji spoke about grievances such as increasing insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges as key factors behind discussions among those allegedly involved in the failed coup.
According to a report by Premium Times, Ma’aji indicated that conversations regarding military intervention began in 2023, coinciding with the waning days of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He expressed frustration, stating, “Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day.”
Ma’aji asserted that senior military officials should have taken more decisive action in response to the deteriorating security situation. He mentioned that his group began identifying other officers who shared similar concerns about the country’s governance.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he noted.
The colonel explained that initial efforts to move forward with the coup were halted due to a lack of funding, logistical support, and manpower. He claimed that much of the early financing came from his personal funds, with contributions from fellow officers, including N1 million from one major and various amounts in foreign currency from another.
The coup plans reportedly gained renewed momentum after Ma’aji’s second unsuccessful attempt to secure a promotion to the rank of brigadier general in 2024, although he emphasized that his failed promotion was not the primary trigger for the alleged coup attempt.
In addition to personal grievances, Ma’aji highlighted widespread discontent related to the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, and pervasive corruption and insecurity. He pointed to incidents such as the #EndSARS protests and the ongoing frustrations among young Nigerians as evidence of growing dissatisfaction over unemployment and economic strife.
