The Presidency has dismissed claims that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), turned down his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
There were reports on Monday suggesting that Muhammed rejected the appointment in a letter said to have been made public by Ovation Magazine publisher, Mr. Dele Momodu.
But a presidential aide, Mr. Olusegun Dada, has denied the report, describing it as false and misleading.
In a statement posted on his verified X account, Dada said Muhammed Babangida had accepted the appointment and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.
“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,” Dada stated.
According to the statement, Muhammed dismissed the alleged rejection letter as fake and malicious, saying it was intended to mislead the public and discredit 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,” Dada added.
The Presidency also vowed to investigate the source of the fake report, warning that those behind the misinformation would be held accountable.
“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and unity. We urge Nigerians to verify news from credible sources and disregard fabricated reports designed to cause confusion,” the statement said.
Muhammed Babangida was among the several new appointments approved by President Tinubu to reposition key federal institutions.
However, a letter dated July 21, 2025, and widely circulated online, purportedly showed that Muhammed had declined the appointment. The letter, titled “Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture,” was shared by Dele Momodu and cited “personal and professional considerations” as reasons for the decision.
The content of the letter read in part:
“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.”
“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.”
Momodu, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also posted on Instagram commending the alleged rejection by Babangida.
“Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift,” Momodu wrote.
