Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has shed light on the alleged coup plot involving his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, describing it as a painful betrayal that forced him to choose between friendship and national stability.
In his autobiography, A Journey of Service, launched on February 20, 2025, Babangida recounted how intelligence reports on Vatsa’s plans initially seemed like mere rumors but later proved to be true.
According to him, military investigations uncovered that Vatsa had financially supported officers to facilitate the coup, including Lt-Col. Musa Bitiyong, who allegedly received N50,000.
Babangida revealed that plans included bombing the Eko Bridge, sabotaging Air Force assets, and even targeting the presidential aircraft. He described the plot as “dastardly” and a personal betrayal, given his long-standing friendship with Vatsa. Following a military tribunal’s findings, Vatsa and nine other conspirators were executed in March 1986.
“I had to choose between saving a friend’s life and securing Nigeria’s future,” Babangida wrote, adding that while the decision was difficult, it was necessary to maintain national security and military cohesion.
June 12 Annulment and Regret
Babangida also addressed the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, acknowledging that Chief Moshood Abiola won the polls. He blamed “forces” within his government, led by General Sani Abacha, for the annulment, claiming that his primary concern was preventing Abiola’s assassination, which he feared could have led to a civil war.
“I was caught between ‘the devil and the deep blue sea,’” he wrote, admitting regret over the decision but insisting that he was outmaneuvered by internal forces.
Vatsa’s Family Demands Restitution
Jonathan Vatsa, a family member of the late General Vatsa, rejected Babangida’s justification for the execution, calling it an injustice. He argued that Vatsa was denied his right to appeal and was hastily executed to eliminate him as a perceived threat.
“If he (Babangida) is truly remorseful, he should not just apologize but also make restitution,” Jonathan Vatsa said, urging the former leader to return any assets acquired unjustly.
Reactions from Abiola’s Family and Activists
Hafsat Abiola-Costello, daughter of the late MKO Abiola, said Babangida’s admission that her father won the election was long overdue but did not erase the injustice done to Nigerians.
“June 12 was about more than one man; it was about the promise of Nigeria,” she said, emphasizing that the annulment deprived the country of a crucial democratic breakthrough.
Similarly, human rights activist Dr. Joe Odumakin criticized Babangida’s attempt to shift blame onto Abacha, arguing that as Head of State, he had the authority to resist any internal sabotage.
“His transition program was not designed to hand over power. The banning, unbanning, and rebanning of political groups showed that,” Odumakin said.
The release of Babangida’s autobiography has reignited debates over his legacy, with calls for greater accountability for past military actions.
