The Presidency has declared its unwavering support for the Nigerian Military’s official position that no coup attempt occurred in the country, despite widespread speculation following recent events.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, made the statement during an interview with TVC on Tuesday, emphasizing that the government would defer to the military’s assessment on all matters of national security.
The clarification comes amid persistent rumors of a coup plot that gained traction after the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary and intensified following President Tinubu’s sudden removal of the Service Chiefs last Friday.
On October 18, the Defence Headquarters had issued a statement dismissing as “false and misleading” online reports alleging that independence anniversary events were cancelled due to an attempted coup. However, speculation continued to swirl, particularly after the comprehensive military leadership overhaul announced by the Presidency.
Speaking on the matter, Dare made clear that the government’s stance aligns entirely with the military’s official narrative. “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power,” he stated.
The presidential aide emphasized that any shift in the Presidency’s position would only come if the military itself provides a different account. “So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative,” Dare explained.
Addressing questions about why Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye was retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence while other service chiefs were removed, Dare pointed to strategic considerations. “On some military being retained there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained,” he said.
The Presidency’s reaffirmation of the “no coup attempt” narrative comes as the country awaits the formal decoration of the newly appointed service chiefs and the anticipated mass retirement of dozens of senior officers who are senior in rank to the new commanders.
Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa, while Major-General Waidi Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Despite the official denials, the timing and sudden nature of the military shake-up have continued to fuel speculation in both local and international media about the true circumstances surrounding the leadership changes.
