The Nigerian military has denied rumors that serving officers met with a presidential candidate ahead of the upcoming elections. In a statement issued on Saturday, Acting Director of Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau called the allegation “malicious propaganda” and said it was being used to disrupt the election and stage a coup d’état.
Gusau said the Armed Forces of Nigeria “notes with dismay the story being peddled by some unscrupulous elements alleging that military officers met with a presidential candidate with the aim of disrupting the general elections and setting the country on fire.” He added that the “wicked and very malicious propaganda” claimed a Thursday meeting was plotting a coup to establish an unconstitutional order.
The statement emphasized that the military remains loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic and will never engage in activities contrary to its provisions. Gusau reiterated that the armed forces are non‑partisan and will not partake in any alleged shenanigans.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is disheartened that even politically exposed persons can denigrate themselves by joining agents of destabilisation and violence, making false claims to heighten tension in the polity,” the statement read. “It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military loyal to the Constitution and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.”
The statement concluded by warning that anyone fabricating or spreading unfounded misinformation will be summoned by the appropriate law‑enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.
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