President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), as a pivotal figure in his political journey, stating that without Babangida’s influence, he would not have ventured into politics.
Speaking on Thursday at a book launch in Babangida’s honour in Abuja, Tinubu reminisced about a defining moment during the former military leader’s administration.
He recounted how Babangida repeatedly delayed the inauguration of elected officials, leading to uncertainty and frustration among politicians of that era.
Recalling a tense encounter at the International Conference Centre, Tinubu said: “One thing I will never forget: you were in office, and you acknowledged that we were elected, yet you kept postponing our inauguration.
“Then you summoned us to Abuja. When we became restless, you called us to the International Conference Centre. I sat there, listening in my radical manner, convinced that you wouldn’t inaugurate us yet again.
“Before we even returned to the hotel, it was locked—and no key! Later, when Dele Cole invited me to speak, I confronted you. I told you that you had the opportunity to make history that day, but you failed to seize it. I asked, ‘Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing it again?’
“They thought I would end up in jail. But at the end of my remarks, you came forward, shook my hand, and I will never forget that moment.”
Beyond the personal recollection, Tinubu praised Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly his commitment to bringing young and brilliant minds into governance.
“General Ibrahim Babangida, without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. You inspired some of us,” Tinubu said.
He credited Babangida’s vision of a progressive and inclusive political system, particularly his efforts during his time at Dodan Barracks, as instrumental in his own political aspirations.
“Your progressive revolution — you said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics — inspired some of us. And when we look at the programmes, many of us gathered here today for this library project can see the vision of a leader.”
While acknowledging the significance of the book being launched, Tinubu admitted he had yet to read it but assured he would.
Babangida, who led Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s political history.
His tenure saw key economic and political reforms, though it was also marked by controversy, particularly regarding the annulment of the 1993 presidential election.
