Muhammed Babangida, son of former military president General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has formally declined his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture by President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025 — shared publicly by media mogul and Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu — Babangida expressed appreciation for the nomination but cited “personal and professional considerations” as reasons for stepping down.
The letter, titled “Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture”, read in part:
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the honour of being considered and appointed… It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role…
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.”
Babangida reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s leadership and expressed willingness to contribute to national development through other avenues.
Dele Momodu, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reacted to the development on Instagram, describing the appointment as a “Greek gift.”
In a related reaction, the ADC accused President Tinubu of using federal appointments as a political tool to curry favor with Northern elites ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party condemned what it called “a desperate attempt to buy influence and silence opposition in the North.”
Babangida’s decision comes just two days after the appointment was announced, adding a new twist to the political calculations surrounding upcoming electoral contests.
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