There was nothing like the Igbo coup in 1966. The coup plotters led by Kaduna Nzeogwu wanted to make Obafemi Awolowo Prime Minister, but were crushed by another Igbo man, IBB.
Former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has stated that the coup led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu in 1966 was not an Igbo coup, refuting longstanding claims of ethnic motivation behind the military takeover.
The coup was not influenced by Igbo ethnic interests, as per excerpts from A Journey in Service. The book highlights that Nzeogwu, the head of the coup plotters, was "Igbo in name" but was born and raised in Kaduna, spoke fluent Hausa, and identified more with the northern region. The coup initially had a nationalistic intent, with its leaders believing that it could reform Nigeria, as noted.
Babangida's book revealed that the main goal of the coup plotters was to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and appoint him as Prime Minister. He emphasized that the involvement of officers from different ethnic backgrounds, including non-Igbo officers such as Major Adewale Ademoyega, Captain Ganiyu Adeleke, and Lieutenants Fola Oyewole and Olafimihan, further invalidates the claim that it was an Igbo-driven coup.
Additionally, some senior Igbo officers were also victims of the coup, such as Lt-Col. Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe, who was executed by fellow officer Major Chris Anuforo. This further weakens the argument that the coup was designed to serve Igbo interests.
Furthermore, Babangida pointed out that the coup was ultimately crushed by Major John Obienu, an officer of Igbo extraction, reinforcing the argument that it was not an ethnic uprising but rather a failed military intervention with specific political objectives.
The remarks made by the former leader challenge the long-held idea that the coup was a conspiracy led by Igbo and contribute to historical debates about the 1966 events that led to Nigeria's civil war.
IBB on the Igbo Coup. Courtesy @pokigbo @AfamDeluxo @chiditweets042 pic.twitter.com/ocjkiSUADm
— CIA (@Inno4Chi) February 21, 2025
IBB on the Igbo Coup. Courtesy @pokigbo @AfamDeluxo @chiditweets042 pic.twitter.com/ocjkiSUADm
— CIA (@Inno4Chi) February 21, 2025
Igbo coup? IBB clears the air.
— IGBO History & Facts (@IgboHistoFacts) February 21, 2025
Don't say anything. Just Retweet! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/noYb9zT4Pf
So there was nothing like “Igbo Coup” after all
— SERAH IBRAHIM (@TheSerahIbrahim) February 21, 2025
IBB in his book stated the “Igbo Coup” was a false narrative.
The injustice Nigeria has done to the Igbo’s is more than enough.
And up until today, they prevent an Igbo man from being a President based on lies.
Enough is Enough. pic.twitter.com/YOlckWiHX8
With all these revelations, there's no point engaging people who are not ready to repent from their hate on Igbos. Chinua Achebe said it in his book ' there was a country ', Ojukwu said it, now IBB in his book is saying same thing .
— BCN (@BekeChinwendu) February 21, 2025
It was never an Igbo coup. pic.twitter.com/sDKNVWVOuf
