Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), has opened up on the execution of his childhood friend, the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, saying he was unable to intervene after a military panel found Vatsa culpable in the December 1985 coup plot against his administration.

Babangida made the disclosure during a programme on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, Minna, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday, which will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Vatsa was executed in March 1986 after being convicted of treason over his alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt.

Recalling his relationship with Vatsa, Babangida said he initially found it difficult to believe allegations that his childhood friend was involved in a plot to overthrow his government.

According to him, both men attended the then Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bida, graduated in the same year and joined the military together.

Babangida said he summoned Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko after receiving reports linking them to the alleged coup plot.

He said both officers denied involvement, prompting the establishment of a military Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations.

While Nasko was cleared by the panel, Babangida said the commission found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.

The former military ruler said the development left him devastated, but he could not prevent the legal consequences of the military process.

“There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” he said.

Babangida also alleged that successful military coups in Nigeria had historically involved civilian participation, claiming that wealthy civilians sometimes played significant roles in sponsoring military takeovers.

Babangida Speaks on Abiola

The former military president also spoke about the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom he described as a close personal friend.

He praised Abiola for his generosity and ability to build relationships across ethnic, religious and regional divides.

Babangida said the late businessman used his wealth to positively impact Nigerians regardless of their backgrounds.

June 12 Annulment

Babangida also revisited his administration’s controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections.

He described the decision as one of the most difficult choices of his military career but maintained that it was collectively taken based on what his administration believed at the time was in the country’s overall interest.

“I must say that it was one of the toughest decisions taken during my military career, but it was made in what we believed was the best interest of the nation,” he stated.

On Nigeria’s present economic and security challenges, Babangida urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He expressed optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts would eventually yield positive results.

The elder statesman further called on traditional and religious leaders to prioritise the national interest and continue promoting peace, unity and progress across the country.