The political landscape in Nigeria has been significantly stirred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent and extensive overhaul of the nation's military leadership. This sweeping change saw the removal of most Service Chiefs appointed nearly two years prior, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who had been promoted only last year. The timing of this reshuffle has become a focal point of national debate and speculation, coming shortly after widespread rumours of an attempted military coup in the country.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a prominent opposition party, swiftly voiced its concerns, demanding a clear and honest explanation from President Tinubu for what it termed a “sudden and surprising overhaul.” The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, acknowledged the President's constitutional prerogative to effect changes within the military hierarchy but stressed that the timing, immediately following intense coup rumours, raised “serious questions.” The party highlighted that many dismissed officers had barely served three years and warned that such a comprehensive change could destabilize the military and threaten internal security, particularly given the ongoing challenges of insurgency and banditry across Nigeria. The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of being distracted from critical national security issues and urged transparency to reassure the public about the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

In response to the mounting inquiries and speculations, the Presidency offered its official stance. Sunday Dare, a presidential spokesperson, explained that the removal of the Chief of Defence Staff and other security chiefs was a “routine procedure aimed at strengthening security across the country.” He emphasized that President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, possesses the constitutional authority to make such changes at any time, likening it to ministerial and commanding officer reassignments. Dare dismissed insinuations that the appointments were a confirmation of discord or the much-discussed coup rumours, affirming that the President acted within his exclusive preserve to safeguard national security.

The reshuffle also drew commentary from legal circles. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, publicly justified President Tinubu’s decision. Speaking on Channels Television, Agbakoba asserted that Tinubu acted rightly, especially if the rumoured coup plot held any truth. He commended the President’s decisiveness, drawing a contrast with his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was perceived as reluctant to make such “top decisions” and allowed his military team to remain in place for extended periods. Agbakoba underscored the importance of seeing the impact of these changes.

Meanwhile, the major shake-up generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with many users directly attributing the sack of the service chiefs to the alleged coup plot. Despite vehement debunking by the Nigerian Army, online discussions were rife with claims that soldiers linked to the plan had been arrested. Social media users expressed cynicism, suggesting that the government prioritized threats to its power over the rampant killings by bandits and Boko Haram. Some posts explicitly declared that the President's move confirmed the reality of the coup attempt, questioning the administration's motivations.

The new leadership structure announced by President Tinubu includes Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major General W. Shaibu was appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff. Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke assumed the role of Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas became the new Chief of Naval Staff. Notably, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the Chief of Army Staff received commendation from Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, a native of the state. Governor Ododo described Shaibu’s elevation as a testament to President Tinubu's “commitment to fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service,” expressing confidence in Shaibu’s professionalism and dedication to strengthen the Nigerian Army and enhance national security.

The recent military reshuffle, therefore, stands as a complex event marked by constitutional authority, political opposition, public speculation, and strategic intent, all playing out against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in Nigeria. The diverse reactions underscore the sensitive nature of military leadership changes and the varying interpretations of their underlying causes and potential consequences.