Babangida, Son of Former Nigerian Military President “Accepts” Tinubu’s Appointment
The controversy reflects political sensitivities around high-profile appointments and the ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the Bank of Agriculture.
President Bola Tinubu is Seeking Reelection in 2027
Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), was appointed chairman of the Bank of Agriculture by President Bola Tinubu on July 18, 2025.
Babangida, 53, holds degrees in Business Administration and Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, and completed an executive course at Harvard Business School.
However, on July 21, 2025, a letter purportedly from Babangida surfaced—shared by media publisher Dele Momodu—indicating that he was declining the appointment due to personal and professional reasons. It further states that he could not commit the necessary focus to the role.
The letter expressed gratitude for the offer and support for the administration’s vision but conveyed his decision was final.
This news stirred public attention and was met with mixed reactions. While some criticized his qualifications before the letter emerged, the decision to decline was seen by some, including Momodu, as a principled stand.
Nonetheless, Babangida’s camp later issued a statement denying the rejection claims, calling reports and the letter false and malicious.
They affirmed that Babangida gratefully accepted the appointment. It also said that he expressed readiness to support the government’s agricultural and economic development efforts, and vowed to investigate those behind the false reports.
Did Muhammed Babangida Decline Tinubu’s Appointment?
Recent reports claimed Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president Ibrahim Babangida, rejected his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) by President Bola Tinubu. However, this narrative is not accurate according to official statements from Babangida and the presidency.
On July 21, 2025, multiple news outlets and a letter shared by Dele Momodu alleged that Muhammed Babangida formally declined the appointment, citing personal and professional reasons.
An official response followed shortly after. Muhammed Babangida, through official statements and spokespersons, publicly denied these reports. He described the news as “false and malicious,” stating that he “gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture” and thanked President Tinubu for the trust placed in him.
The presidency and aides also reaffirmed that Babangida had not declined the role and condemned the reports as attempts to mislead the public.
