Muhammad Babangida, son of former Nigerian military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has officially declined his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA). In a letter dated July 21, 2025, addressed to President Tinubu, Babangida expressed his sincere gratitude for the nomination but politely turned down the offer.
The appointment was part of a broader set of leadership changes that saw several other prominent Nigerians named to head various federal agencies. Babangida, 53, who holds degrees from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, and executive education from Harvard Business School, had been announced to lead the revamped Bank of Agriculture earlier this month.
Though widely viewed as a prestigious assignment, Babangida’s decision to decline the position surprised many political observers, fueling speculation about his reasons, which have not been publicly disclosed. The move comes amid heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Tinubu administration seeking to consolidate support through strategic appointments.
Muhammad Babangida’s respectful refusal underscores the complexities of political appointments in Nigeria and may impact ongoing efforts by the presidency to engage influential northern stakeholders, given Babangida’s status as a prominent figure from that region.
The presidency has yet to comment officially on the declination, leaving open questions about who will next fill the important role at the Bank of Agriculture.
