Saturday, the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria denied that a coup d’etat was imminent. In addition, they refuted rumors that some generals met with a presidential candidate on Thursday to complete the scheme.
According to a statement published by Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remained committed to the constitution and “would never be part of a nefarious conspiracy against our democracy.”
In a swift response, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the allegation as reckless and irresponsible, adding that it demonstrates that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign is in panic mode, having been stunned by the popularity of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP.
Femi Fani-Kayode, a spokesman for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, expressed alarm on his Twitter account, Fani-Kayode@realFFK, regarding the purported meeting between the generals and Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate.
“Thursday, according to sources, Atiku met in secret with serving military generals in Abuja. If accurate, this is disturbing and has repercussions. What was the objective? Why would a presidential candidate have secret meetings with soldiers 14 days before the election? “Is this meeting part of a larger plan to disrupt the elections, destabilize the country, set us on fire, incite chaos and violence, provoke a coup, and establish a new and unconstitutional order under the auspices of an Interim National Government (ING)? “He claimed in his tweet.
However, the Defense Headquarters swiftly responded that it was dismayed by the claim.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces are appalled by the rumor that some military commanders met with a presidential candidate to disrupt the general elections and burn the country ablaze. According to the evil and deceitful propaganda, a so-called Thursday conference is organizing a coup d’état to impose an illegitimate order.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dismayed that even politically prominent individuals can join agents of destabilization and violence in making false claims to inflame the political climate,” the statement read.
Prior to the general elections, the declaration reaffirmed that the armed services remained professional and nonpartisan.
“It must be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a professional military that is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be a part of any evil plot against our democracy. “In addition, the military is apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not participate in the alleged shenanigans. The Armed Forces of Nigeria would never be a part of a despicable attempt to destroy our hard-won democracy “it said.
The Defense Headquarters issued a warning that liars would be compelled to provide evidence for their assertions.”
The Armed Forces of Nigeria warn that people who fabricate and disseminate false information would be asked to provide evidence to support their claims by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
It stated that the general people should dismiss such information and continue with their routine activities.
The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation has described the claim as extremely dangerous and irresponsible, adding that it demonstrates that the APC presidential campaign is currently in panic mode.
Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, a spokesman for Atiku’s campaign organization, said in a statement released on Saturday that it was inconceivable that Fani-Kayode could make such an untrue and cruel comment about Atiku.
He asserted that Nigerians are aware that the APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has been fueling the flames of division, instability, and rioting in the country in the face of an imminent defeat.”
Atiku Abubakar’s campaign has been the most calm and he has been speaking realistically about Nigerians’ hopes. It is common known that Atiku Abubakar held a Presidential Campaign rally in the state capital of Kano on Thursday.” Femi Fani-Kayode must be aware that Nigerians are also aware that Tinubu’s operatives who attended the Council of State meeting to advocate for election postponement and construct a situation leading to an Interim Government were shamed at the meeting.
“We are not shocked that Tinubu will dispatch his lapdogs to flood the streets with ludicrous and irresponsible accusations to derail our campaign.
“Nigerians from around the nation are committed to electing Atiku Abubakar as the next president of our country and will not be deterred by such ludicrous charges,” he continued.