Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun, has condemned repeated military incursions into Nigeria’s governance as a major barrier to the country’s development.

In his newly launched 427-page book, The Gun Hegemony: An Unusual Chronicle About the Nigerian Military, Opadokun argues that officers behind the January 1966 coup and subsequent military takeovers delivered “mediocre leadership and great disservice” to the nation.

“The Nigerian military, in overthrowing civilian regimes, chased two rats and lost both,” he writes. “They failed as soldiers and flopped as governors.”

A former Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Opadokun traces the Nigerian Army’s origins to the colonial era, highlighting the emergence of the “Glover’s Hausas” and the resulting northernisation of the military, a trend he says continues to shape the nation’s power dynamics.

Launched on January 15, 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s first military coup, the book delves into the roles of key historical figures, including Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Adekunle Fajuyi, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Leveraging previously elusive E-Branch police documents, Opadokun provides detailed accounts of the January coup and the July 1966 counter-coup, listing those who survived and those who fell.

The book also casts fresh light on Brigadier Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s controversial role, arguing that he endorsed the first coup and later led the Civil War despite opposition from Igbo leaders.

Opadokun does not shy away from controversy, highlighting the ethnic dynamics of the coup and questioning decisions by leaders such as General Aguiyi-Ironsi and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Beyond Nigeria, The Gun Hegemony traces coups throughout history, from biblical times to modern Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, making it a rich resource for historians, scholars, students and military professionals.

The book, with its high-quality bond paper, multimedia laminated cover and extensive appendices, promises longevity and relevance for libraries and personal collections alike.

Opadokun’s work crystallises the complex trajectory of the Nigerian military into a single authoritative volume, challenging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of the nation’s past while offering a detailed, scholarly resource on its military history.