Military Rule Not an Option for Nigeria, Says Adewole Adebayo

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has cautioned against any attempt to return Nigeria to military rule, insisting that nothing good can come out of such an experience.

Adebayo, who spoke on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, was reacting to reports of an alleged coup attempt that recently generated tension across the country.

He maintained that both military and civilian authorities must come clean on the incident, stressing that transparency and accountability remain vital to public trust in governance.

“Democracy is fragile whether you have an extreme thwarting of it by elements of military juntas or by those who don’t want free and fair elections,” he said.

“Everywhere in the world, democracy is fragile and must be protected. The best safeguard against coups, instability and lawlessness is good governance.”

The SDP chieftain noted that lessons must be drawn from the development, urging those in authority to act responsibly to preserve Nigeria’s democratic order.

Adebayo further warned political leaders against complacency, saying that instability affects everyone regardless of position.

“The fact that you are in government doesn’t mean you are safe from being unsettled,” he added. “Just as ordinary Nigerians face insecurity of life and property, there could be insecurity of tenure for politicians if the system collapses.”

Recounting his experience under military regimes, Adebayo said he had witnessed firsthand the repression associated with dictatorship.

“I was born under Gowon’s administration and lived through several military eras. I was a major activist against military rule, and I can tell you categorically — nothing good comes from the military. It is not an option for Nigeria,” he declared.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu effected a major shake-up in the nation’s military hierarchy following reports of the alleged coup plot.
Major-General Waidi Shaibu replaced Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas were appointed Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, respectively.