The History Of Military Rule In Nigeria
Nigeria as an independent nation has been seen by periods of both civilian and military rule. Understanding the history of military rule in Nigeria is essential for anyone interested in the country’s political development.
This guide will take a look at the key events and figures that shaped this era, from the first coup in 1966 to the eventual return to democracy in 1999.
READ ALSO: Who Was The First Senate President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria?
The First Coup And The Dissatisfaction With Military Rule (1966)
In the years leading up to 1966, Nigeria, which had gained independence from Britain in 1960, faced significant challenges. Regional tensions boil, particularly between the Northern and Southern regions.
The country also struggles with accusations of corruption within the civilian government. These issues corrupted public trust and created a sense of instability. Dissatisfaction wasn’t limited to the civilian population.
A group of young military officers, many of whom came from the Igbo ethnic group in the East, felt that the civilian government was failing to address the country’s problems.
They believed general corruption and political maneuvering along regional lines were delaying national development.
Frustrated with the status condition, these officers began plotting a coup d’état. Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, a charismatic and outspoken Igbo officer, emerged as a key figure in the coup planning.
Other prominent figures included Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Christopher Anuforo, and Donatus Okafor. These men considered military intervention was necessary to restore order and create a fairer Nigeria.
On January 15th, 1966, the carefully planned coup unfolded. Military units under the control of the plotters struck at the same time in Lagos, Ibadan, and Kaduna, the major cities of Nigeria at the time.
Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a prominent figure from the Northern region, was assassinated along with several other senior politicians and military officers.
While the details of the planning and execution remain debated by historians, the immediate result was a violent overthrow of the civilian government.
The news of the coup sent a very strong reaction throughout Nigeria. The initial public reaction was mixed, with some citizens expressing relief at the removal of a perceived corrupt government, while others feared the descent into military rule.
However, the joy was short-lived. Ethnic tensions rose sharply as a result of the coup, particularly due to the Igbo dominance among the coup plotters. Tragically, the events of 1966 freed a cycle of violence that would continue to plague Nigeria for years to come.
READ ALSO: List Of Freedom Fighters In Nigeria
Decades Of Military Regimes (1966-1999)
Here’s an overview of the major military regimes that governed Nigeria between 1966 and 1999.
General Aguiyi Ironsi (January – July 1966)
After the coup, Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, a respected Igbo officer from the Eastern Region, assumed leadership of the country. His primary goal was to restore order and national unity.
However, his attempts to unify the country under a unitary government alienated leaders in the Northern Region who felt it marginalized their interests. A counter-coup in July 1966 led to Ironsi’s assassination and further deepened ethnic divisions.
General Yakubu Gowon (1966 – 1975)
After the counter-coup, General Yakubu Gowon, a northern officer, emerged as the new leader. Ethnic tensions continued to boil, topping in the secession of the Eastern Region in 1967, which sparked the tragic Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). Gowon’s regime focused on prosecuting the war and maintaining national unity.
Following the war’s end, the government implemented some economic reforms and initiated a transition program towards civilian rule. However, these plans were repeatedly postponed.
General Murtala Mohammed (1975 – 1976)
In a coup in 1975, General Murtala Mohammed, another northern officer, took power. He pledged to address corruption and inefficiency within the military and government. Mohammed also aimed to revitalize the economy and restore public trust.
His administration started a series of reforms and made plans for a return to civilian rule. Tragically, his assassination in 1976 cut short these efforts.
General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976 – 1979)
Following Mohammed’s assassination, General Olusegun Obasanjo, a northern officer, assumed leadership. He continued the reform agenda initiated by his predecessor and oversaw a return to civilian rule in 1979. This was the first attempt at a democratic transition after the initial coup.
READ ALSO: Who Was The First President Of Nigeria (And In What Year?)
Second Republic (1979-1983)
The Second Nigerian Republic, led by President Shehu Shagari, faced significant challenges, including economic instability and accusations of corruption. These issues led to growing disillusionment with the civilian government.
General Muhammadu Buhari (1983 – 1985)
In 1983, the military again intervened, led by General Muhammadu Buhari. Citing corruption and economic mismanagement, the regime implemented a strict and austere rule aimed at curbing these issues. However, human rights abuses and a decline in living standards crumbled public support.
General Ibrahim Babangida (1985 – 1993)
Another coup in 1985 brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power. His regime focused on economic liberalization and a more relaxed political atmosphere.
He announced a change program towards civilian rule, but delays and political manipulation tainted it. An annulled presidential election in 1993 widespread protests and led to Babangida’s stepping down.
General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1999)
General Sani Abacha, a member of Babangida’s inner circle, assumed power in 1993. His regime was known for its authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and human rights abuses.
Despite promises of a return to democracy, Abacha’s sudden death in 1999 paved the way for a more genuine transition to civilian rule.
The Return To Democracy (1999)
The death of General Sani Abacha in 1998 created an opportunity for a genuine transition to civilian rule. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who assumed leadership after Abacha’s passing, oversaw a carefully planned program aimed at restoring democracy. A key figure in this process was General Abubakar himself.
Recognizing the need for national reconciliation and a credible transition, he established an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) tasked with organizing free and fair elections.
The commission worked to create a level playing field for all political parties and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
Several prominent civilian figures emerged during this period, most notably Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler who had overseen a brief transition to democracy in the late 1970s.
Obasanjo campaigned on a platform of national unity and economic reform, appealing to a broad range of Nigerians yearning for stability and progress. The 1999 elections were a watershed moment in Nigerian history.
They were widely considered to be free and fair, celebrating a notable departure from the rigged elections that had marred previous attempts at civilian rule.
Chief Obasanjo emerged victorious in the presidential race, becoming the first democratically elected leader since 1983. However, the return to democracy in 1999 was not without its challenges.
Decades of military rule had left deep scars on the nation’s political scene. Corruption remained a persistent issue, and ethnic and religious tensions continued to boil.
