Why Colonel Ma’aji Wanted Tinubu Out

Why Colonel Ma’aji Wanted Tinubu Out

Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has explained the grievances that allegedly led him and other military officers to consider a coup against President Bola Tinubu.

According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said worsening insecurity, corruption, economic hardship and concerns over government policies were among the issues that fuelled discussions about military intervention.

He said the conversations began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, when he claimed the situation in the country had become increasingly troubling.

“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.

Ma’aji said the deteriorating security situation also contributed to the officers’ concerns, arguing that senior military authorities should have responded more decisively.

He said the group subsequently began identifying other officers who shared their concerns and were willing to support what they regarded as an effort to bring about positive change.

“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.

According to the colonel, the plan was initially abandoned because the group lacked the financial resources, logistics and manpower required to move forward.

He claimed that much of the initial funding came from his personal resources. He also said an Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer allegedly provided money in dollars on several occasions.

Ma’aji said the alleged coup plan was revived after he failed for a second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024.

He, however, insisted that the failed promotion bid was not the main reason for his involvement.

Instead, Ma’aji pointed to several government policies and national challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of protests such as #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance, saying the events reflected growing frustration among Nigerians.

The colonel further cited unemployment and worsening economic conditions as factors that had left many young Nigerians disillusioned.

His account sheds more light on the grievances he says were behind the alleged military plot and the circumstances that led to its revival.