The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed concerns about a potential coup in the country, stating that Nigeria has moved beyond the era of military takeovers and that its democratic institutions are growing stronger. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that Nigerians have embraced democracy and are unlikely to support any forceful takeover of the government.
This statement comes in light of an increasing number of coup attempts in Africa, particularly in the West African subregion, where Nigeria is located. The recent coup in Gabon, the second in 2023, raised concerns about political stability in the region.
The government highlighted that Nigeria’s strong democratic institutions, coupled with the fact that some African countries have witnessed coups, should not create fear within the country. The Minister emphasized the need to stand against military takeovers anywhere on the continent.
The West African region has experienced a significant number of coup attempts in recent years, with Nigeria’s neighboring countries, such as Niger Republic, experiencing political instability. Despite this, the Nigerian government remains confident in the resilience of its democratic system.
Meanwhile, retired generals in Nigeria have cautioned that the only way to prevent coups in Africa is for elected leaders to respect constitutional provisions, ensure good governance, and be accountable. While not justifying military takeovers, they emphasized that leaders must act in the best interests of their citizens to prevent coup attempts.
Overall, the government’s stance reflects its commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining political stability in Nigeria.