Babangida Breaks Silence: The Shocking Truth Behind Buhari’s Overthrow

By Achimi Muktar

Few events in Nigeria’s political history have sparked as much controversy as the coup that ousted General Muhammadu Buhari from power in 1985. Now, decades later, former military president General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) has finally revealed the real reasons behind the dramatic takeover.

In his newly released autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida pulls back the curtain on the events leading up to the coup, exposing a web of power struggles, ideological clashes, and economic failures that made Buhari’s rule untenable.

The ‘Holier-Than-Thou’ Leadership Style

At the heart of Babangida’s discontent was what he describes as Buhari and his deputy, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon’s “holier-than-thou” approach to governance. According to him, the duo alienated the military elite and ruled with an iron fist, disregarding the opinions of their colleagues.

“They both posted a ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude, antagonizing the civil populace against the military,” Babangida wrote. “Fundamental rights and freedoms were being routinely infringed upon and abused. Instead of inspiring hope, we ruled the nation with a series of draconian decrees.”

Babangida further revealed that Buhari’s regime had begun spying on senior military officers, including himself. He claimed that his calls and communications were constantly monitored, creating a climate of fear and distrust within the military.

A Nation in Crisis

Babangida’s book paints a picture of a nation on the brink of collapse. The economy was crumbling, essential goods were scarce, and Nigerians were forced to endure endless queues for basic necessities like sugar, cooking oil, and baby formula.

While Buhari’s War Against Indiscipline (WAI) had enforced a rigid “queue culture,” Babangida argues that the root economic problems were never addressed. “Queues will disappear when you adequately supply the market,” he asserted, criticizing Buhari’s failure to stabilize the economy.

Beyond the economic turmoil, Babangida claimed that the military itself was becoming dangerously divided. Discontent was growing among the ranks, and if left unchecked, the armed forces risked imploding—an outcome that could have plunged Nigeria into chaos.

The Moment of Decision

By early 1985, Babangida and other senior military officers concluded that a change in leadership was the only way to prevent national disaster.

“My greatest fear was that division within the armed forces could lead to factionalism,” he wrote. “If allowed to continue, grave dangers lay ahead.”

On August 26, 1985, the coup was executed without bloodshed. By the following day, Babangida had assumed office as Nigeria’s new leader, determined to chart a different course for the country.

Looking Back: Regrets and Controversies

Despite defending his actions, Babangida admits to some regrets—particularly his decision to leave General Sani Abacha as the most senior officer in the military, a move that would later shape Nigeria’s history in unforeseen ways.

He also distanced himself from the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), the group widely believed to have played a role in the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

A Legacy of Power and Politics

Babangida’s revelations add a new layer to Nigeria’s turbulent military history. While some view his coup as a necessary correction, others see it as a power grab that set the stage for even greater instability.

As his book hits the shelves, one question lingers: Was Buhari’s downfall truly about his leadership style, or was it simply the result of an inevitable power struggle?

One thing is clear—Babangida’s story is far from over.