The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), describing the reports as false and misleading.
LThe clarification followed a viral letter dated July 21, 2025, allegedly authored by Babangida and shared by media mogul Dele Momodu, in which Muhammed purportedly declined the appointment due to “personal and professional considerations.”
However, in a swift response posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, presidential media aide Olusegun Dada said Babangida had not only accepted the appointment but had also expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust and confidence placed in him.
“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, expressing deep gratitude to President Tinubu. Reports suggesting otherwise are false and malicious,” Dada stated.
In a formal statement attributed to Babangida and released by the Presidency, he described the reports of his rejection as a “deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving in the role and contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
The statement also warned that individuals behind the fake rejection letter would be identified and brought to justice, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him,” the statement read.
Despite the Presidency’s position, the purported letter of rejection, titled ‘Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture’, remains in circulation. In the document, the writer claimed the decision was reached after “careful reflection and consultation.”
Publisher Dele Momodu, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), endorsed the alleged letter on Instagram, saying:
“Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
The ADC also weighed in, accusing President Tinubu of attempting to “buy Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election” through political patronage.
Muhammed Babangida was among a wave of new appointments made by President Tinubu last week, aimed at reinforcing strategic government institutions, including the BOA — a key player in Nigeria’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security.
As the controversy unfolds, the Presidency has urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to rely on credible sources for accurate news.
