Presidency Debunks Claims of Mohammed Babangida Rejecting BOA Appointment, Vows to Punish Fake News Peddlers

The Presidency has dismissed reports that Mohammed Babangida, son of former military leader Ibrahim Babangida, rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Tinubu.

A letter circulating online, allegedly from Babangida, claimed he had declined the appointment due to “personal and professional reasons.” The letter was shared by Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, who praised Babangida for “rejecting a Greek gift.”

However, presidential aide Olusegun Dada countered the claim in a statement on X, affirming that Babangida had accepted the appointment and thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity.

“Mohammed Babangida has officially accepted his role as BOA Chairman and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu. The reports of his rejection are false and malicious, aimed at misleading the public and undermining the administration,” Dada stated.

The Presidency warned that those behind the fake letter would be identified and held accountable, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, the controversial letter, dated July 21, 2025, claimed Babangida declined the appointment after “careful reflection,” citing personal and professional constraints.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Momodu’s new party, criticized Tinubu, alleging the appointment was an attempt to “buy Northern Nigeria’s support” ahead of the 2027 elections.

Babangida’s appointment was part of Tinubu’s recent reshuffle of key government positions. The Presidency urged the public to disregard misinformation and verify news from credible sources.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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