General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the former military president, recently discussed the 1985 execution of his lifelong friend and fellow officer, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa. Speaking on a radio broadcast in Minna, Babangida explained that he could not intervene after a military inquiry implicated Vatsa in a plot to topple his regime.
Babangida admitted that he initially doubted the accusations due to their shared history, which included attending the same school and entering the military together. He recounted confronting Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko, both of whom denied the claims. However, while a formal military investigation exonerated Nasko, it confirmed Vatsa’s participation in the conspiracy.
The former leader described the realization as a source of profound disappointment, noting that military legal protocols left him with no choice but to accept the outcome. Beyond this event, Babangida reflected on the role of wealthy civilians in Nigerian coups and offered praise for the late MKO Abiola, describing him as a generous benefactor. Regarding the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, he maintained that the choice was a difficult, collective decision intended to protect the national interest.
As he approaches his 85th birthday on August 17, 2026, Babangida encouraged citizens to remain optimistic, urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and called on community leaders to prioritize national unity.
