Coup rumour or not, the military must stay in its lane — and politicians must stop provoking the people’s anger through bad governance.
By Lawan Musa D. ( Baba Lawan )
October 2025
A Dangerous Whisper in a Fragile Democracy
Nigeria has once again been shaken by rumours of a coup plot allegedly involving some members of the armed forces. Even if untrue, the mere circulation of such stories is disturbing for a country still scarred by the long, painful years of military dictatorship. The idea that soldiers might contemplate power seizure in 2025 is not only shameful but a sobering reminder that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile and vulnerable.
The military must understand that its era of political adventure is over. This is no longer the 1980s when the sound of boots on the streets could silence the ballot box. Nigeria is now governed by law, not force. The army’s prestige lies in professionalism, not political interference. Soldiers are defenders of the nation, not arbiters of political power.
Civilian Failure Fuels Anti-Democratic Sentiments
That said, the alarm should not stop at the barracks. The political class must take responsibility for creating the conditions that feed public frustration. A failing democracy often invites the illusion of salvation through authoritarianism. When politicians abuse office, loot public funds, and neglect the people’s welfare, they inadvertently awaken anti-democratic nostalgia among disenchanted citizens.
The economic hardship Nigerians face today — inflation, joblessness, insecurity, and a depreciating currency — has eroded public confidence in leadership. When hunger becomes widespread and hope fades, citizens become susceptible to the dangerous myth that a “strongman” could fix everything. The truth, however, is stark: coups do not solve problems; they create bigger ones.
The Military Must Remain Professional and Loyal
Nigeria’s armed forces have earned global recognition for their discipline and peacekeeping experience. They must not squander that hard-won reputation by indulging in reckless political flirtation. The constitution is clear about the military’s role — defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, not managing its politics.
Every military takeover in the nation’s history began with the promise of reform and ended in ruin. Economic collapse, human rights violations, and international isolation followed. The barracks must remain apolitical. The loyalty of every soldier should be to the flag, the people, and the constitution — not to any faction or political ambition.
The Political Class Must Redeem Democracy
Ultimately, the survival of democracy depends on good governance. The easiest way to discourage coup plotting is to make democracy work for ordinary Nigerians. If government remains responsive, transparent, and fair, the idea of military intervention loses every justification.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team must see this period as a warning, not a threat. Nigerians are patient but weary. The hardship in the land has become unbearable. Leadership must stop making excuses and start making progress. Rebuilding trust requires genuine reforms — not propaganda or empty rhetoric.
Politicians must remember that democracy is not a personal trophy but a public trust. When leaders govern with integrity and empathy, democracy thrives. When they betray that trust, they weaken the very system that keeps them in power
Never Again to the Gun
Nigeria’s painful history under military rule must never repeat itself. The coups of the past destroyed institutions, silenced voices, and impoverished millions. The idea of soldiers returning to power is not only unconstitutional — it is unthinkable.
The military must stay loyal to its constitutional duties. The politicians must restore faith in governance. And the Nigerian people must remain vigilant to protect the hard-won democratic space.
Standpoint
The Nigerian believes Nigeria’s democracy must never again be subjected to the rule of the gun. The military must remain in the barracks, and politicians must govern with conscience, justice, and compassion. The destiny of this country lies not in force, but in freedom.
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Opinion