According to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, also known as IBB, General Sani Abacha, who controlled the country from 1993 to 1998, tricked politicians to gain power.
IBB discussed how Abacha outwitted them and rose to power in an interview with Trust TV.
Abacha, whom IBB referred to as a "very good friend," also served as Chief of Army Staff under IBB's military administration from 1985 to 1990, and was later appointed Minister of Defense by the same government.
"Abacha's government was really savvy," IBB stated. They knew who the most vociferous critics of the election, the coup, June 12th, and so on were. They began conversing with them, selling a dummy to them and encouraging them to depose the interim government: 'When we depose the interim government, we will bring you back to take over your democracy and install a civilian administration.'
"They sold that dummy to the general people and a few influential members of society, and when Abacha arrived, there was drumming and sighing; 'Good thing!' The next step will be a democratically chosen administration.' Because the argument was: 'Why should I risk my life only to come and hand over power to you?' I knew, we knew it wouldn't be. That's exactly what occurred."
Despite being close pals, he claimed that Abacha's military coup did not surprise him.
"I knew it would surprise people because I knew what was going on even though I was outside – outside the service," he explained.
Abacha, who had served as Minister of Defense and the most senior military officer, had risen to power by pushing Ernest Shonekan, the temporary national government founded by IBB and headed by him, to quit.
On November 17, 1993, Abacha revealed to the public that he had taken over from Shonekan due to sociopolitical unrest at the moment.