At a momentous gathering in Abuja on the 14th of May, 2025, Retired General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, took the stage with a call that rang clear: the country must move forward firmly and finally without the shadow of military rule.
He spoke during the launch of “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960–2018”, a book unveiled by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) to mark its 70th anniversary.
Seated before an audience of academics, military figures, and policy experts, Gowon revisited the dual legacy of the armed forces in Nigeria’s past.
“The era of military governance is and must remain behind us. Democracy, despite its imperfections, provides the best framework for national development and popular participation,” he said, not mincing words.
To today’s military, his advice was pointed and direct: “The armed forces must fully embrace their constitutional role as defenders of the nation’s territorial integrity, not as administrators or political actors.”
From a man who once led Nigeria through its most fragile period, these words carried the weight of personal experience and national history.
Chairing the event, Gowon described the role of the military in Nigeria’s evolution as a “complex narrative” not entirely glorious, but not without merit either.
“With the wisdom that comes from age and reflection, I believe the answer lies somewhere in between. On one hand, the military preserved national unity during the civil war.
“We built infrastructure, created states to bring the government closer to the people, and at times restored order when civilian structures faltered. Our armed forces have distinguished themselves in peacekeeping operations across Africa and beyond.”
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Still, he didn’t gloss over the consequences of military rule: “On the other hand, I must acknowledge that military rule stifled democratic development, sometimes violated civil liberties, and created structures that enabled corruption.
“The interruption of our democratic journey in 1966, 1983, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections represented dark chapters in our history that we must confront honestly. However, by acknowledging these mistakes, we pave the way for a brighter, more democratic future.”
He also revisited the Nigerian Civil War one of the defining moments of his leadership: “It was the most painful episode in Nigeria history, but one ultimately reaffirmed our commitment to national unity.”
Looking to the present, Gowon urged for a modern, people-centered military force.
“The military should not stand apart from the people but should be seen as an essential component of the national fabric, working in tandem with civilian authorities.”
He stressed the importance of strengthening defence strategy and deepening collaboration with regional partners to handle today’s threats.
Gowon’s remarks didn’t just revisit history; they challenged today’s leaders to protect democracy with clarity, discipline, and humility.