In recent days, speculation about a potential military coup in Nigeria has made headlines and gone viral on social media.

The rumours suggested that middle-ranking military officers were plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, citing this as the reason the government cancelled the Independence Day parade on October 1.

However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed these claims.

In a public statement, the military explained that the parade was cancelled to allow the president attend “a strategic bilateral meeting” and to enable the armed forces to maintain focus on internal security threats like terrorism and banditry.

The statement also addressed the alleged arrest of 16 military officers, clarifying that they were part of a routine internal investigation to maintain professionalism within the ranks, not part of any coup attempt.

Contrary to the speculation, President Tinubu was actively engaged in public duties during the lead-up to Independence Day.

He attended the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan on September 26, commissioned projects in Imo State on September 30 and returned to Lagos to deliver a national address on October 1.

These public appearances directly contradict the idea that he was avoiding public events out of fear of a coup.

While Nigeria’s coup rumour was ultimately false, the global political climate offers insight into why such speculation finds fertile ground.

Recent data from the Varieties of Democracy Project reveals that autocracies now outnumber democracies worldwide, with 91 autocratic regimes compared to 88 democracies.

Even more telling: nearly 72% of the global population now lives under autocratic governments, the highest percentage since 1978.

This means that interest in authoritarian alternatives is not a uniquely Nigerian problem, it’s part of a broader global trend.

A quick analysis of Google Trends shows that Nigerians began searching about coups on October 1, the same day the parade was cancelled.

Queries like “first coup in Nigeria” and “military coup in Nigeria” spiked, particularly in Kaduna and Edo States.

Interest in coup-related topics surged again between October 6 and 13, following news of the military takeover in Madagascar.

Interestingly, interest in the coup topic even overtook public attention around Joash Amupitan, the newly-appointed INEC Chairman, despite his appointment being a major national story.

I lived through Nigeria’s military regimes in the 1990s. I remember the fear, the silence and the deep instability they brought.

So I have no nostalgia for military rule. But that’s my lived experience, not that of most Nigerians.

With a median age of 18, over 60% of Nigerians have only known democracy.

They didn’t live through coups. So when the economy worsens, insecurity spreads and governance fails to deliver, it’s not hard for some to begin romanticizing military alternatives.

What these rumours really reveal is a trust gap. Many citizens no longer believe that democracy is working for them.

Hunger, joblessness, insecurity, and rising inequality are making people ask: “Can anything be worse than this?”

Until the government begins to restore trust, by delivering security, jobs, and justice, rumours like this will keep resurfacing.

Nigeria doesn’t just need to dismiss coup rumours; it needs to prove that democracy works. Not just for the elite, but for the everyday citizen struggling to survive.

The military may be staying in the barracks, but the deeper question is: Do Nigerians still believe in democracy? Unless government action begins to match public needs, every rumour of a coup will echo louder than the last.

Rumours fade. But the reasons behind them remain, until they are addressed head-on.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has firmly denied speculation that he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking to journalists in Abuja following the inaugural meeting of the PDP Convention’s Accommodation Sub-Committee, Adeleke dismissed rumours of defection and described the internal challenges within the PDP as normal family affairs.

“We are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper, or salt to the matter,” he said, stressing that the PDP remains united and capable of handling its internal matters.

Adeleke, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the upcoming PDP National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, also chairs the party’s Accommodation Committee.

He assured that preparations are on track, saying, “We just concluded our inaugural meeting, and everyone was present. We’ve resolved everything necessary to ensure the convention runs smoothly.”

Addressing the recent wave of defections from the PDP, the Osun governor downplayed their significance, stating that party membership is a matter of personal choice.

However, he emphasized that the defections have not weakened the party.

“We still have strong membership and widespread support across Nigeria. I am not worried,” he stated confidently.

Reacting to claims that his association with friends in the APC indicates a possible defection, Adeleke explained:

“I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social function, I will attend. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the PDP’s principles and future success:

“The PDP doesn’t rely on propaganda. We are focused on unity, structure, and growth. By God’s grace, our convention will be successful, and the PDP will emerge stronger.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday greetings to Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, describing him as a longstanding ally and a key figure within Nigeria’s progressive political movement.

In a message commemorating Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, President Tinubu noted that despite the senator’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), his political ideology remains firmly rooted in progressive values.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also congratulated Kwankwaso’s family, supporters, and associates as they marked the occasion.

The President acknowledged Kwankwaso’s numerous contributions to Nigeria’s governance and development, citing his leadership in several high-profile roles, including as Deputy Speaker in the short-lived Third Republic, two-term Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, and current Senator for Kano Central.

He praised Kwankwaso’s continued popularity in northern Nigeria, particularly Kano State, crediting it to his grassroots, people-centered approach to politics, which mirrors the legacy of late northern icons like Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

“Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally. We served together in the National Assembly in 1992 and later governed our respective states in 1999. We also collaborated in founding the APC,” Tinubu said.

“Though he later left to form the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), his ideals still reflect the core of progressive politics.”

President Tinubu wished Kwankwaso continued good health and many more years of service to the nation.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun, has called on the National Assembly to halt all ongoing efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution, urging instead for a complete overhaul through a national referendum.

Speaking on Monday at the 13th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Olanipekun argued that the current constitution, imposed by the military in 1999, no longer serves the needs of a modern Nigeria.

His lecture was titled “Nigeria Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration.”

“The National Assembly should suspend any further amendment of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

“What Nigeria needs is not another round of patchwork, but a homegrown constitution that reflects the will and uniqueness of its people.”

Olanipekun insisted that the current constitution has lost its legitimacy and relevance, describing it as a “military albatross” that was never subjected to public input or consent.

He advocated for a new, negotiated constitution that would lay the foundation for a truly democratic and inclusive society.

He recommended a transitional phase from now until 2031, during which Nigeria could consolidate previous constitutional reform efforts, such as reports from past national conferences, and prepare a new document through wide consultation and consensus.

“Elections should still hold during the transition period,” he explained, “but with the clear understanding that by May 29, 2031, Nigeria must begin operating under a new constitution.”

Highlighting Section 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that sovereignty belongs to the people, Olanipekun argued that only a national referendum can legitimately determine the country’s political and constitutional future.

He emphasized that a referendum should decide key issues such as the structure of the National Assembly (whether full or part-time), their tenure and remuneration, and whether the current federal arrangement should be retained or reconfigured.

“The National Assembly cannot organize this referendum. You cannot be a judge in your own case,” he said.

“The federating units must take the lead in determining the process and framework.”

Beyond constitutional issues, Olanipekun also criticized Nigeria’s political culture, particularly the frequent defections between parties.

He called for greater commitment to political ideology and principles, urging parties to be more than just vehicles for power.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for his consistency in remaining with one political party through years of opposition, saying Tinubu’s loyalty should be a model for others.

“Membership in a political party should not be a picnic. It must be based on commitment to ideology, policies, and programmes,” he noted.

Olanipekun warned against the continued creation of new states, arguing it only weakens the federating units and strengthens an already overbearing central government.

“The more states are created, the more the centre becomes powerful, while the units lose autonomy,” he said.

“It’s time for states to take the lead in restructuring and stabilising Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), commended Olanipekun for delivering a “thorough and well-researched” lecture, aligning it with his own long-standing call for a new constitution to address Nigeria’s systemic challenges.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the suspension of its South-South National Vice Chairman, Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, citing allegations of misconduct.

This decision was reached following a meeting of the Cross River State Chapter’s State Working Committee (SWC) held on October 15, 2025.

In a statement released Monday in Abuja and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. James Otudor, the party said Dr. Usani’s actions were found to be in violation of the ADC constitution.

According to the statement, the SWC thoroughly reviewed multiple petitions and internal reports that accused Dr. Usani of engaging in anti-party behavior, disobeying party leadership and committing acts considered harmful to the unity and public image of the ADC.

The party clarified that the suspension will stand while a full investigation is carried out by the appropriate disciplinary bodies within the party structure.

Additionally, the Cross River chapter raised concerns over the recent appointment of Ms. Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

The SWC criticized the lack of consultation with state leadership prior to her appointment and claimed Ms. Wayas had failed to engage with party structures in the state since assuming office.

The committee alleged that her conduct and allegiance were not in alignment with the values and unity of the party in Cross River.

As a result, it urged the national leadership to reconsider her appointment and replace her with a capable, media-savvy individual with a proven track record of loyalty to the ADC and its principles.

The SWC also expressed reservations about certain members of the Coalition Movement who had publicly declared their intention to join the ADC but had not completed the party’s formal registration process months later.

While acknowledging that party registration is ongoing, the committee warned that it would not tolerate members with dual loyalties or affiliations with other political platforms.

It noted that some coalition figures had attended ADC strategic meetings only to later assume caretaker roles in their previous parties.

The statement concluded by directing all coalition leaders and aspiring members to finalize their registration at their respective ward levels within seven days, by Saturday, October 25, 2025, or risk exclusion from any leadership or decision-making roles within the party.