On August 27, 1985, Nigeria’s political landscape was dramatically altered when Major General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida led a military takeover that removed Major General Muhammadu Buhari from power. The event marked not only a leadership change but also a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s military era, influencing the nation’s governance and political evolution. This article explores the causes, execution, and consequences of the coup that brought Babangida to the centre of power and ended Buhari’s short but controversial military regime.
Buhari’s Military Rule (1983–1985)
Muhammadu Buhari first came to power as Nigeria’s Head of State on December 31, 1983, following a military coup that ousted the elected government of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari’s regime quickly gained a reputation for its strict anti‑corruption drive, heavy‑handed enforcement of order and discipline, and broad curtailment of civil liberties. His War Against Indiscipline campaign sought to instill social order but was widely viewed as authoritarian.
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Buhari’s government banned press freedoms, detained critics without charge, and reaffirmed tight control over key institutions. While some Nigerians supported his stance against corruption, others including many within the armed forces became critical of his leadership style.
Growing Dissent Within the Military
By early 1985, dissatisfaction had grown among senior and middle‑ranking officers in the Nigerian military. They saw Buhari’s rule as overly rigid, broadly dismissive of dissent, and insufficiently consultative in military governance. These sentiments created tension within the armed forces, eroding cohesion and unity. Renewed concern about national direction, economic stagnation, and civil discontent intensified pressure for change.
At the centre of this dissent was Babangida, then Chief of Army Staff, who had served under Buhari and was regarded as a key strategic thinker in the Nigerian Army. His dissatisfaction with Buhari’s methods and policies grew, especially as he perceived that the leadership was disconnecting the military from society and undermining national stability.
The Coup of August 27, 1985
In the early hours of August 27, 1985, a faction of the Nigerian armed forces, led by Babangida, executed a planned military takeover. The coup unfolded with coordination among senior and mid‑level officers, culminating in the swift removal of Buhari from power, largely without widespread violence.
Babangida then assumed leadership as the new Head of State. Buhari was detained and kept in custody in Benin City until 1988, after which he was released.
In his early broadcast as the leader, Babangida justified the change in leadership by stating that Buhari’s administration was too rigid and uncompromising, and that its policies had failed to address pressing economic and social challenges facing the nation.
Babangida’s Reasons for Overthrowing Buhari
Years after the event, Babangida reflected on the rationale behind the coup in his autobiography and interviews. He described the Buhari government’s approach as undermining basic freedoms and restricting the armed forces’ connection with society. According to him, the leadership had become perceived as an imposition rather than a collective institution advancing national interests.
Babangida cited concerns that the military itself was at risk of fragmentation if the status quo continued. He argued that the change was necessary to preserve unity within the armed forces and to restore public confidence in governance.
Immediate Aftermath
After assuming power, Babangida immediately reorganised the military hierarchy by dissolving the Supreme Military Council and installing a new governing body called the Armed Forces Ruling Council. His leadership sought to present a more flexible and consultative style compared to his predecessor.
While Babangida lifted some of the more oppressive controls of the Buhari era, his government would later face similar challenges in managing Nigeria’s economy, social tensions, and political expectations.
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Legacy of the 1985 Coup
The 1985 coup had far‑reaching effects on Nigeria’s political development. Babangida’s regime lasted until 1993, a period marked by ambitious political transition programs, economic restructuring, and controversial decisions such as the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. These events shaped Nigeria’s path to democratic governance and left a lasting imprint on its political institutions.
The overthrow of Buhari underscored the fragility of military rule and the internal divisions that can develop within armed forces when governance models are perceived as unsustainable. It also highlighted the complex balance between discipline and inclusion in national leadership.
Author’s Note
The August 1985 military coup in Nigeria was a defining moment when Major General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Major General Muhammadu Buhari, reshaping the nation’s political trajectory. This narrative shows how leadership style, internal military cohesion, and national challenges converged to trigger one of Nigeria’s most consequential power transitions. Readers gain insight into why the change happened, how it unfolded, and what it meant for Nigeria’s future.
References
Ibrahim Babangida Nigerian Military Leader 1993 Election Age and Head of State
1985 Nigerian coup d’état article
Daily Post Nigeria Why I overthrew Buhari IBB
Pulse Nigeria He just had to go Babangida explains why he overthrew Buhari’s regime
Daily Trust Why We Toppled Buhari IBB
