Four African countries with the odd history of experiencing December 31 coups

Nigeria

On December 31, 1983, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari led a coup against the presidency of Shehu Shagari, bringing to an immature end the reign of a democratically-elected leader.

Buhari, who is currently Nigeria‘s president, was commanding officer of the 3rd Division, a powerful unit in the Armed Forces. Buhari also never saw eye-to-eye with President Shagari.

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Indeed, Buhari went on an offensive against neighbouring Chad in the same year without presidential approval and this only escalated the tension between the two men.

In the end, Buhari and other influential soldiers decided Shagari was not a capable leader and deposed him on the said day.