The 1985 Nigerian Coup

On August 27, 1985, Nigeria witnessed a significant shift in its political landscape due to a military coup. Major General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida led this coup, which resulted in the ousting of then Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. This political upheaval marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s military and political history.

Context

Before the coup, Nigeria was under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari, who had himself come to power through a military coup on December 31, 1983. Buhari’s regime was noted for its strict discipline and efforts to curb corruption, but it also faced criticism for its harsh and draconian measures, including human rights abuses and a heavily centralized power structure.

Events Leading to the Coup

Dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s military ranks had been brewing due to several factors:

• Economic Hardships: The Nigerian economy was struggling, largely due to a downturn in global oil prices, which negatively impacted national revenue.
• Public Discontent: Buhari’s economic policies led to austerity measures, causing widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
• Military Dissent: Many in the military were unhappy with the rigidity of Buhari’s rule and his inability to significantly improve living conditions or offer political stability.

The Coup

Major General Ibrahim Babangida, who was then the Chief of Army Staff, orchestrated the coup. The operation was executed with minimal violence and led swiftly to a change in leadership.

• Early Morning Hours: The coup commenced in the early morning hours of August 27, 1985, when Babangida’s collaborators took control of strategic locations in the capital Abuja and other key points across Nigeria.
• Arrest of Buhari: Muhammadu Buhari was promptly dismissed and placed under house arrest. No significant resistance was reported, as the coup was a result of a consensus among top military officials.

Aftermath

The coup resulted in the establishment of a new military regime under Babangida, who declared himself the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

• Policy Changes: Babangida initiated significant policy shifts, opting for a more open economic environment and gradually steering the country toward a planned transition to civilian rule.
• Political Impact: Although his government introduced some political reforms, including the initiation of a transition program to return to civilian rule, Babangida’s regime was later criticized for its own authoritarian methods and alleged corruption.

This coup represented a significant moment in Nigeria’s turbulent political history, influencing the patterns of military governance and civilian transition in the years that followed.