‘Why I Could Not Save Vatsa from Coup Conviction- Ex-military president, Babangida

By Daniel Ebi, Minna.

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), has broken his silence on one of the most painful episodes of his military career, saying he could not save his childhood friend and fellow soldier, the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, after an investigation linked him to the 1985 coup plot against his administration.

Babangida made the disclosure during a special program on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna as part of activities marking his 85th birthday. The program was monitored in the Niger State capital.

The former military ruler said the allegations against Vatsa initially appeared unbelievable because of their extraordinary shared history.

According to him, he and Vatsa grew up together, attended the same school, graduated in the same year and joined the military at the same time.

“When I first heard the rumours that General Mamman Vatsa was involved in a plot to overthrow my administration, I could not believe it,” Babangida said.

He recalled that after receiving the allegations from a senior military officer, he summoned Vatsa and another senior officer, General Mohammed Gado Nasko, to his office for explanations.

Both men, he said, denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
Babangida, however, said the matter subsequently moved beyond personal assurances when a military commission of inquiry was constituted to investigate the allegations.

While Nasko was cleared, the former military president said the panel found evidence connecting Vatsa to the aborted coup.
The finding, he admitted, left him devastated.

“When it was finally confirmed that investigations revealed General Vatsa’s involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed,” he said.

Babangida added: “There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa.”

On the involvement of  Civilians in Military coups,The former military president also offered a broader assessment of Nigeria’s history of military interventions, arguing that successful coups in the country had never been purely military affairs.

He alleged that wealthy civilians had, at various times, played significant roles in financing or supporting military takeovers.

Babangida also spoke warmly about the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom he described as a close personal friend whose generosity cut across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.

He said Abiola deployed his wealth to improve the lives of Nigerians regardless of their background.

“Chief MKO Abiola was a man who used his God-given wealth to positively impact the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their background,” he said, describing the late businessman as exceptionally generous and a man who built friendships across the country.

Speaking On one of the most controversial decisions of his administration, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—Babangida described the decision as one of the most difficult choices of his military career.

The election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by Abiola, but its result was annulled by the military government.

Babangida said the decision was taken collectively and was considered, at the time, to be in the overall interest of the country.

“I must say that it was one of the toughest decisions taken during my military career, but it was made in what we believed was the best interest of the nation,” he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, the former military president urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.

He called on citizens to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts would eventually produce positive results.

Babangida also appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders to place national interest above sectional considerations and intensify their efforts toward strengthening Nigeria’s unity, peace and development.

His comments come as Nigerians prepare to mark the 85th birthday of the former military president, whose years in power remain among the most consequential and contested in Nigeria’s political history.

General Babangida’s 85th birthday celebration is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, with special prayers expected at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.