The Presidency has dismissed reports that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Tinubu.
This clarification comes after a letter, purportedly written by Babangida and shared by media personality Dele Momodu on Monday, claimed he had declined the appointment. However, in a swift rebuttal, Presidential aide Olusegun Dada took to X (formerly Twitter) to refute the claims, stating that Babangida had indeed accepted the role.
In a statement, Dada said: “Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.”
The statement further described the circulating rejection reports as “false and malicious,” accusing mischief-makers of attempting to mislead the public and discredit the Tinubu administration.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read.
The Presidency also warned that those behind the fake news would be identified and held accountable, reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency and national unity.
Meanwhile, a letter dated July 21, 2025, allegedly signed by Muhammed Babangida and shared by Dele Momodu, claimed he had declined the appointment due to “personal and professional considerations.”
The letter read in part: “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment. This decision was not made lightly. It stems from a convergence of personal and professional considerations, which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.”
Reacting to the development, Momodu, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), praised Babangida’s decision, writing on Instagram: “Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
The ADC also weighed in, accusing President Tinubu of attempting to “buy Northern Nigeria” ahead of the 2027 general elections with strategic appointments.
Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was part of a series of recent key appointments made by President Tinubu to strengthen governance across critical sectors.
