On August 28, 1985, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida announced the composition of the new Armed Forces Ruling Council, 24 hours after the overthrow of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.
Babangida, the new Head of State and Chairman of the AFRC said the appointments were made “to reflect the unity, balance and competence required to steer the nation forward.”
According to the announcement, prominent officers from the Middle Belt and from Langtang in Plateau State have been placed in strategic positions within the new government.
Military sources said the changes signal a shift in the internal balance of the armed forces.
General Babangida, who once served as Chief of Army Staff, described the “palace coup” as a means to correct “the drift and rigidity” of the previous regime.
General Babangida, while swearing-in new officials, told the council its priorities would include economic recovery, restoration of civil liberties, and a timetable for a return to civilian rule.
