The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that he was a direct target in an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, while also hinting at plans to formally join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
General Musa made both disclosures during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he spoke on national security concerns and his evolving political alignment following his appointment into the federal cabinet.
According to the minister, the alleged coup plot included plans for his arrest, with instructions that he should be shot if he resisted.
He said the plot underscored the seriousness of the threat and justified the firm response by the Armed Forces.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, noted that several senior government officials and prominent Nigerians were also allegedly listed as targets.
The military had earlier announced the arrest of sixteen officers in October for acts initially described as indiscipline and service violations.
Subsequent investigations, however, linked some of the officers to a plan to unlawfully overthrow the government.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, later confirmed that officers with cases to answer would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in line with the Armed Forces Act.
General Musa described the alleged plotters as misguided, expressing doubt that such an attempt could succeed in a country where citizens have consistently resisted military rule.
He stressed that Nigeria’s long-standing democratic journey since 1999, coupled with President Tinubu’s pro-democracy background, made any attempt to subvert civilian governance unrealistic.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defending the constitution and preserving democracy, assuring Nigerians that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The alleged plot comes amid renewed concerns over military takeovers in parts of West Africa.
In the same interview, General Musa also spoke about his political future, indicating that he is in transition and may soon join the APC.
While he said he is not yet a registered member of the party, he acknowledged that the APC has provided him with consistent support since his time as Chief of Defence Staff.
The 58-year-old minister pledged total loyalty to President Tinubu, saying the president deserves full backing to succeed in office.
He expressed readiness to support the administration in any capacity, including working toward the president’s re-election bid.
General Musa served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 until his retirement in October 2025 and was sworn in as Defence Minister on December 4, 2025.
His remarks come against the backdrop of sustained political realignments nationwide, with several governors and high-profile politicians defecting to the APC since 2023.
The trend has reshaped the political landscape and intensified debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts pointing to the APC’s growing dominance at the centre.
