Tinubu’s Sudden Military Overhaul Rekindles Coup Fears, Public Reactions Flood Twitter
Less than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the replacement of the Service Chiefs, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), went into a frenzy, with many Nigerians linking the surprise shake-up to last week’s viral rumours of an alleged coup plot within the military.
The President, through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, had on Friday, October 24, 2025, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The announcement came amid rising speculation about internal unease in the military, following the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade—an action that fuelled talk of tension among top officers.
Earlier in the month, unverified reports had circulated on social media alleging that a section of mid-level officers was under discreet investigation over a suspected plan to “destabilize the current administration.”
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through its spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, swiftly dismissed the reports, describing them as “purely speculative and mischievous.” Gusau clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was an “administrative decision,” not tied to any alleged mutiny or coup attempt.
Still, Friday’s sweeping changes in the military hierarchy have revived public suspicions online, with many Nigerians interpreting the move as a pre-emptive step to tighten control of the Armed Forces.
‘Coup Fear or Strategic Reset?’ – Nigerians React on X
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User @iOccupyNigeria wrote: “Coup rumour talk say October 25th, and boom—service chiefs don chop sack October 24th. Nigeria na real-time movie, every episode get twist pass Nollywood.”
Another user, @djokaymeg…, questioned the timing of the decision: “There is absolutely nothing wrong with exercising presidential powers. The real curiosity here is what suddenly inspired this particular burst of executive energy. Was there a midnight revelation? A classified dream? Or perhaps a gentle whisper?”
For @Its_Olayinnka, the change signified a positive step: “The rumour about the coup was true then. This is a very good development! We cannot have another military rule.”
Others, however, raised concerns about the ethno-regional composition of the new military hierarchy.
@Oluwamo… wrote: “I hope it’s not in line with the alleged coup? Next will be Nuhu Ribadu.”
Similarly, @Christian_1994 remarked: “That means there was indeed a coup attempt and time to surround himself with his fellow tribesmen. But there’s something he always misses…”
Some took a broader view of the nation’s security challenges. @Chukwukadibia noted: “We complained of insecurity, herdsmen, kidnappers, military acting as ethnic militants… you were silent. Now your positions are threatened, and you took immediate action. Kindly use that fear to purge our military of bigots and Boko Haram sympathizers.”
For others, the decision reflected what they described as the President’s instinct for “regime protection.”
@ChidiN… wrote: “Regime protection should not be confused with national security.”
And @Calljoboep… concluded, “The fear of coup… is the beginning of wisdom.”
While public reactions remain divided, security analysts suggest the timing of the reshuffle indicates a “preventive consolidation” rather than panic.
The newly appointed Service Chiefs have been charged to enhance professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship within the Armed Forces.
