The Nigerian Presidency has officially denied circulating reports claiming that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military leader General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), rejected his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). Earlier this week, a letter attributed to Muhammed was shared publicly by Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, suggesting he turned down the prestigious appointment. However, the Presidential Media Aide, Olusegun Dada, promptly addressed the controversy via a post on X (formerly Twitter), debunking the rejection claims as completely false. In his statement, Dada clarified: “Muhammed Babangida has accepted the role of BOA Chairman and has conveyed his sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for this trust.” Babangida also issued an official press release on Monday, where he discredited the purported rejection letter as “false and malicious.” He emphasized that the narratives circulating online were orchestrated to mislead the public and undermine the credibility of the Tinubu-led administration. Dada’s statement further stressed: “We categorically confirm that Muhammed Babangida has accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the President.” Furthermore, the Presidency assured Nigerians that the perpetrators behind the misinformation campaign would face thorough investigations and possible prosecution. They reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and national unity. The statement concluded by urging citizens to always verify information from credible sources to avoid being misled by politically motivated falsehoods. President Tinubu had earlier approved several strategic appointments across critical sectors, with Babangida’s BOA chairmanship being a significant part of the leadership restructuring aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Despite the Presidency’s clarification, the controversy was fueled by a letter dated July 21, 2025, allegedly authored by Muhammed Babangida, where he reportedly declined the appointment. The letter, again publicized by Dele Momodu, cited personal and professional reasons for his decision. The controversial letter, titled ‘Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture’, expressed gratitude to the President but stated: “After careful thought and consultation, I have respectfully decided to decline the appointment. This decision is influenced by a mix of personal and professional factors that would hinder my ability to commit fully to the role’s demands.” Muhammed’s letter further conveyed his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration and his willingness to contribute to national development through alternative avenues where his expertise is relevant. Dele Momodu, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reacted via his Instagram page, praising Muhammed for “rejecting a Greek gift.” Meanwhile, the ADC criticized President Tinubu, accusing him of leveraging appointments to gain political traction in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Muhammed Babangida’s appointment as BOA Chairman was among the recent executive decisions made by President Tinubu, intended to revitalize leadership within key institutions that are vital to Nigeria’s economic and agricultural progress.
A major opposition movement under the banner of the National Opposition Coalition Group has officially submitted a request to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The coalition is spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, signaling a bold political repositioning ahead of the next general election cycle. INEC confirmed the reception of the group’s application, which was dated June 19 and formally acknowledged by the commission on Friday. This submission affirms the coalition’s active intention to establish an alternative political platform, potentially disrupting the current national political structure. Among the influential figures backing the creation of ADA are former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Umar Ardo—a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the convener of the League of Northern Democrats. Together, these political heavyweights are leveraging increasing public discontent and evolving political alignments to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections. The coalition’s move follows closely on INEC’s recent warning that any political group seeking registration must strictly adhere to the country’s constitutional and electoral procedures, regardless of external pressures or popular demand. The formal letter to INEC was co-signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, the Protem National Chairman of the group, and Abdullahi Elayo, the Protem National Secretary. In the letter, they stated: “We humbly approach the Independent National Electoral Commission to request the formal registration of our association under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA), following the resolution passed by the Nigerian National Coalition Group, our sponsor.” According to the application, the party’s official slogan is “Justice for All”, while its acronym remains ADA. Included with the submission were all required documentation such as the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and foundational meeting minutes. The proposed symbol of the ADA is a maize (corn), which the founders say symbolizes abundance, resilience, and sustenance—key values the party aims to promote nationally. The letter further highlighted: “Attached to this request are our party’s full manifesto—outlining our ideological direction—as well as the constitution, which frames our legal, structural, and organizational identity as a political body.”
