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.
