Babangida overthrows Buhari

On August 27, 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida led a bloodless military coup that removed General Muhammadu Buhari from power after just 20 months in office. Babangida, who had served as Chief of Army Staff under Buhari, announced the takeover on national radio, citing the need for a more flexible approach to Nigeria's economic and political challenges. The coup was executed swiftly with minimal resistance, as Buhari was placed under house arrest.

Buhari's rigid military administration had become increasingly unpopular due to harsh economic policies and authoritarian measures that restricted press freedom and civil liberties. His War Against Indiscipline campaign, while initially welcomed, had grown oppressive, and his refusal to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund over structural adjustment programs had worsened Nigeria's economic crisis. Many Nigerians, including within the military establishment, felt that Buhari's inflexible leadership style was unsuitable for addressing the country's complex problems during a period of severe economic hardship caused by falling oil prices.