Presidency Confirms Babangida Accepts Appointment as Chairman of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Dismisses Rejection Claims

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The Presidency has dismissed reports that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), rejected his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

A letter purportedly written by Muhammed Babangida, shared on July 21, 2025, by Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu, indicated that he declined the appointment due to personal and professional reasons. The letter expressed gratitude for the nomination but stated that Muhammed could not serve with the required focus and commitment at this time.

However, presidential media aide Olusegun Dada posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the reports of rejection were false. According to Dada, Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted the appointment and thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.

In a statement, the Presidency described the rejection claims as malicious and aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the image of the Tinubu administration. The Presidency vowed to identify and hold accountable those responsible for spreading false information.

The statement called on Nigerians to verify information from credible sources and affirmed Muhammed Babangida’s acceptance of the BOA chairmanship. It noted that his appointment was part of a series of strategic leadership placements approved by President Tinubu to strengthen key government institutions.

Dele Momodu, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), applauded Muhammed Babangida’s alleged rejection on Instagram, calling it a refusal of a “Greek gift.” The ADC criticized the Tinubu administration for what it described as attempts to buy political support in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.