Why I overthrew Buhari’s govt in 1985 – IBB

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, has opened up on why the past regime of Muhammadu Buhari was overthrown.

Babangida said he overthrew Buhari’s regime because he was dissatisfied with the former military ruler’s policies and leadership styles.

He was Buhari’s Chief of Staff when the latter overthrew former civilian president, Shehu Shagari in the December 31, 1983 coup.

On August 27, 1985, Buhari’s regime was overthrown by Babangida in a coup d’etat.

However, in his autobiography, ‘A Journey In Service’, launched in Abuja on Thursday, IBB explained that Buhari’s then policies “were detrimental to the nation’s progress” and his dissatisfaction “eventually led to its ouster in 1985.”

He wrote: “After the military coup that replaced the civilian government of Shehu Shagari with a military regime led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff.

“However, he became increasingly dissatisfied with the Buhari government’s policies and leadership style, which he believed were detrimental to the nation’s progress.

“This dissatisfaction eventually led to its ouster in 1985, and he took office as the military President.”

The former military leader also expressed regret leaving behind the late General Abacha, as the most senior military officer to work with the Interim National Government led by Earnest Shonekan, describing his action as a ‘grave mistake’.