Muhammed Babangida, son of Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has denied reports making the rounds that he rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released yesterday, Babangida’s camp described the reports as false and misleading, saying they were aimed at sowing confusion and smearing his reputation.
Contrary to the rumours, the statement confirmed that Babangida had accepted the role with gratitude and had no reason to decline the president’s offer.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government,” the statement said. “He extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him.”
Babangida’s name appeared in a list of fresh federal appointments unveiled by the presidency last Friday. The list also included Lydia Kalat Musa as Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Jamilu Wada Aliyu as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council, and Sanusi Musa as Chairman of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Babangida’s media team described the fake report as a “deliberate act of mischief” and said those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice,” the statement added.
The clarification puts to rest speculations that the former president’s son had distanced himself from Tinubu’s administration, amid growing political intrigue ahead of 2027.