President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. The Presidency has denied that Babangida rejected the nomination.
Muhammed claimed to have turned down the job in a letter released by Dele Momodu on Monday.
Olusegun Dada, a presidential communications advisor, said in a post on X that Babangida rejected the rejection claims as untrue.
“BoA Chairmanship Accepted by Muhammad Babangida.” Regards, President Tinubu
“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
“In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” parts of Dada’s statement read.
The Presidency assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation.
“The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.
“Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions,” the statement added.
In the meantime, Muhammad allegedly turned down the job in a letter dated July 21, 2025.
Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, shared the letter, which was purportedly written by Muhammad.
According to the letter, Muhammad turned down the post because of both personal and professional reasons.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the honour of being considered and appointed as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture,” the letter marked “Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture” states. Being regarded as deserving of such a crucial role in furthering the agricultural and economic growth of the country is a genuine honour.
“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.
“Your Excellency, I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service.
“Thank you once again for your confidence in me. I am deeply appreciative.”
Reacting, Momodu, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote on Instagram:
“Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
Remember that only two days earlier, Tinubu appointed Muhammad Babangida as one of his new hires?
ADC responded by criticising Tinubu for trying to purchase Northern Nigeria in advance of the general election in 2027.
