Former military Head of State General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said that no successful military coup in Nigeria’s history occurred without some level of civilian involvement or support.

Babangida made the statement during an interview on Badeggi 90.1 FM in Niger State, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday.

He said wealthy civilians had historically played significant roles in financing or supporting military takeovers, while reflecting on Nigeria’s history of military coups.

The former military president also revisited the 1985 coup plot against his government and the case of his close associate, the late General Mamman Vatsa, who was then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Babangida, Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko initially denied involvement when he summoned them following reports of the alleged plot.

He said a military commission of inquiry was subsequently established. While Nasko was cleared, Babangida said the panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.

Babangida recalled that Vatsa’s conviction deeply affected him, describing him as a close friend and saying he was devastated by the outcome. Vatsa was executed by firing squad in March 1986.

The former military president also spoke about MKO Abiola, describing the late businessman and politician as a close personal friend whose philanthropy crossed ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.

On the 1993 presidential election annulment, Babangida maintained that it was one of the most difficult decisions of his military career but insisted that it was a collective decision taken in what the leadership at the time considered the country's best interest.

Commenting on Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, Babangida urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that the administration’s efforts would eventually produce positive results.