Correct Option: A. Honour the promise to hand over power Detailed Explanation: The Gowon Regime in Nigeria, which lasted from 1966 to 1975, was marked by significant political turmoil and military governance. One of the key reasons for the eventual overthrow of General Yakubu Gowon was his failure to fulfill a promise to transition the country back to civilian rule.

1. Context of the Promise: After the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Gowon had initially promised to return the country to civilian rule. This promise was crucial for restoring public confidence and stability in a nation that had experienced significant upheaval. The expectation was that after the war, the military would step aside and allow for democratic governance.
2. Delay in Transition: Despite the promise, Gowon delayed the transition to civilian rule, citing the need for national reconciliation and stability. This delay led to growing discontent among various groups, including politicians, the general populace, and even within the military itself. Many felt that the military was overstaying its welcome and that the time had come for a return to democracy.
3. Impact of Broken Promises: The failure to honor the promise to hand over power created a perception of Gowon as untrustworthy and out of touch with the aspirations of the Nigerian people. This perception fueled opposition against his regime and contributed to the loss of legitimacy.
4. Military Discontent: Within the military, there was also dissatisfaction with Gowon’s leadership and his failure to promote certain officers. This internal dissent played a significant role in the coup that ultimately led to his overthrow in July 1975.

Why the Other Options are Wrong or Weaker:

• B. Promote some officers by the armed forces: While promotions and internal military politics can influence stability, this was not the primary reason for the regime's downfall. The failure to transition to civilian rule was a more pressing issue that affected public sentiment and military loyalty.
• C. Try politicians in detention: The detention of politicians was a contentious issue, but it was not the central reason for the regime's overthrow. Many military regimes have detained political opponents, but the failure to return to civilian governance was a more significant factor that united various factions against Gowon.
• D. Create new states: The creation of new states was a topic of discussion in Nigeria, especially after the Civil War, but it was not a decisive factor in the overthrow of Gowon. The primary concern was the lack of a clear path to civilian rule, which overshadowed other administrative issues.

Revision Summary:

• The Gowon Regime was overthrown primarily due to its failure to honor the promise of returning to civilian rule.
• Delays in transitioning to democracy led to widespread discontent among the populace and military.
• Internal military dissatisfaction and public perception of Gowon as untrustworthy contributed to the coup.
• Other issues, such as promotions and detentions, were secondary to the overarching demand for democratic governance.