I Planned Against Tinubu Out of Patriotism, Not Ambition — Ma’aji

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, an officer accused of leading an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism and concern over Nigeria’s worsening condition rather than personal ambition.

Ma’aji said his concerns stemmed from economic hardship, what he described as poor governance, and the deteriorating welfare of Nigerians and military personnel.

According to Premium Times, the colonel said he was driven by his love for Nigeria and the military, adding that he had become increasingly worried about the country’s trajectory.

He said the economic difficulties he experienced personally, including the challenge of raising his five children on his salary, strengthened his concerns about the state of the country.

Ma’aji also raised concerns about the welfare of military personnel, particularly soldiers who sustained injuries in combat. He alleged that some wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care.

According to him, the situation reflected broader challenges confronting the armed forces and contributed to his belief that urgent measures were needed to change the country’s direction.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of,” he said.

Ma’aji claimed that the alleged plan was still at the mobilisation stage when he was arrested and that no date had been fixed for its execution.

He said the group intended to recruit more officers and soldiers who shared their concerns but had not yet been fully constituted, adding that further meetings and resources were still required.

The colonel also denied foreign involvement in the alleged plot. He claimed that he personally financed much of the activities, while Timipre Silva allegedly contributed about N400 million.

Ma’aji further denied contacting some senior military officers, but said dissatisfaction among soldiers and his unsuccessful promotion attempts contributed to the revival of the movement.

He called for the establishment of a formal mechanism through which military officers could communicate their grievances to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, without fear of victimisation.

Among his recommendations were improved salaries and welfare packages for military personnel, better pension benefits, access to quality education, and stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

He also criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Appealing for leniency, Ma’aji said his arrest and subsequent interactions with the panel had made him reconsider his approach.

He urged the authorities to pardon the accused officers, describing them as first offenders and insisting that the alleged action was not intended to destabilise Nigeria.

The alleged coup plot, reportedly uncovered in September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes in the military hierarchy, including the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff at the time.

Ma’aji maintained that the actions attributed to him were driven by what he described as patriotism, love for Nigeria and the desire to see the country become more prosperous and stable.