Al-Mustapha: Military Coups No Longer Acceptable in Nigeria

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, has firmly rejected calls for a military coup in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Al-Mustapha emphasized that military takeovers are a relic of the past and have no place in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Addressing the hardships caused by the recent removal of fuel subsidies, Al-Mustapha condemned the notion of a military intervention, labeling it as a “misplaced priority.” He stressed that democracy has become entrenched in Nigeria, and the nation must focus on adopting a system of governance that is tailored to its unique needs rather than imitating foreign models.

“We need a system of government that is truly reflective of our history, culture, and societal values,” Al-Mustapha stated. “Borrowing the parliamentary system from the United Kingdom or the presidential system from the United States does not serve us well. Nigeria must chart its own course in democracy.”

Al-Mustapha, who described himself as a committed democrat, urged those advocating for a military coup to abandon the idea and instead work towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “Military rule is no longer fashionable anywhere in the world,” he said. “We should focus on ensuring the military remains subordinate to democratic governance.”

He further called on Nigerians to invest their efforts in deepening democracy rather than entertaining thoughts of a return to military rule. “Our goal should be to build a domestic type of democracy that suits our people and our future. The military’s role is not to govern but to defend and protect that democracy,” Al-Mustapha concluded.