A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has disclosed that worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the major grievances that allegedly prompted discussions about a plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

According to Premium Times, Ma’aji said discussions about possible military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He said the situation in the country had deteriorated considerably, particularly with what he described as widespread corruption and nepotism.

“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.

Ma’aji said the worsening security situation also raised concerns among some military officers, arguing that senior military authorities should have responded more decisively to the crisis.

He disclosed that the group subsequently began identifying officers who shared their concerns and were willing to support what they considered a patriotic effort to bring about positive change.

“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.

According to the Colonel, the alleged plan was initially put on hold due to inadequate funding, logistics and manpower.

He claimed that he personally financed a significant portion of the early activities, while an Army major allegedly contributed N1 million and another officer reportedly provided funds in dollars on several occasions.

Ma’aji said the alleged plot was later revived after he failed for the second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024.

He, however, maintained that the failed promotion was not the main reason behind the alleged movement.

Instead, Ma’aji listed the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity among the issues that contributed to the officers’ dissatisfaction.

He also cited the government’s handling of protests, including the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, as factors that had heightened frustration among many young Nigerians.

The Army officer said unemployment and worsening economic conditions had further deepened public discontent, contributing to the grievances that allegedly fueled discussions about military intervention.