IBB speaks on Abdulsalami Abubakar’s switch from air force to army (opens original article in a new tab)

Former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Babangida said Abdulsalami Abubakar's switch from the Nigerian Air Force to the Army was crucial for his rise to power, as all military leaders since 1960 have come from the Army.

• Ibrahim Babangida stated that Abdulsalami Abubakar would not have become Nigeria's head of state without switching from the Nigerian Air Force to the Nigerian Army.
• Abubakar transferred from NAF to the Army in 1966, which positioned him in the branch that dominated Nigeria's political leadership.
• Since 1960, all eight Nigerian military leaders have come from the Nigerian Army, while no NAF officer has served as head of state.