A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has revealed why he allegedly planned a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the grievances discussed by those allegedly involved in the failed coup plot.
He said discussions about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Ma’aji claimed that corruption and nepotism had worsened under Buhari, while insecurity continued to deteriorate.
He said the group began identifying military officers who shared their concerns and described those involved as patriots who wanted positive change in the country.
According to him, the alleged coup plan was initially suspended due to inadequate funding, logistics and manpower. He claimed that he personally financed much of the early stages of the plan, while other officers also made financial contributions.
Ma’aji said the plot was later revived after he failed for the second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024. However, he maintained that the failed promotion was not the main reason behind the alleged movement.
He also cited dissatisfaction with the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.
The Colonel further referenced the handling of the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests, claiming that unemployment and economic hardship had left many young Nigerians frustrated.
