I Thought IBB Would Jail Me- Tinubu OPENS Up On Confrontation With Former Military Ruler

President Bola Tinubu recently shared a significant moment from his political journey, recalling an encounter with former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB). This took place during a period of uncertainty surrounding the inauguration of the then Senate....Read Full Article >>➤

Tinubu revealed how he directly confronted Babangida regarding the repeated delays in the legislative body’ s swearing- in, an action that left a lasting impression on him. Speaking at the launch of Babangida’ s memoir, A Journey of Service, in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu acknowledged the influence of the former military leader on his own political career.

He expressed that without Babangida, individuals like himself might never have ventured into politics. This statement highlighted the pivotal role Babangida played in shaping Nigeria’ s political landscape, despite the controversies that surrounded his tenure.

Reflecting on the specific incident, Tinubu recalled that while Babangida was in office, the inauguration of the Senate had been continuously postponed despite the fact that legislators had already been elected.

According to Tinubu, this persistent delay caused frustration among the elected lawmakers, leading to heightened tensions when they were summoned to Abuja for a meeting. Tinubu admitted that he had not initially planned to voice his concerns at the gathering.

Instead, he had expected to remain silent, observing the discussions while harboring doubts about Babangida’ s willingness to proceed with the inauguration. His radical disposition led him to suspect that the military leader might once again push back the event.

However, events took an unexpected turn. Upon arriving at their hotel, the lawmakers discovered that their rooms had been locked, with no access to their keys. This peculiar situation added to their uncertainty. During the meeting, when Dele Cole called upon Tinubu to share his thoughts, he seized the opportunity to confront Babangida directly.

He reminded the military leader that he had a unique opportunity to create history but was failing to do so by continually delaying the Senate’ s inauguration.

Tinubu questioned the rationale behind the repeated postponements and challenged Babangida to take decisive action instead of summoning them time and again without fulfilling his commitment.

At that moment, Tinubu admitted, he feared the consequences of his boldness. Given the political climate of the time, he suspected that his direct challenge to Babangida’ s authority might result in his arrest or imprisonment.

However, instead of responding with hostility, Babangida’ s reaction took him by surprise. Rather than reprimanding or punishing him for his defiance, Babangida stood up and extended a handshake— a gesture that Tinubu never expected.

The former military ruler then commended Tinubu for his courage, acknowledging his boldness in speaking out. This act of recognition had a profound impact on Tinubu, serving as a source of inspiration that remained with him throughout his political career.

He described the moment as unforgettable, emphasizing that Babangida’ s words reinforced his belief in standing up for what he believed was right, even in the face of uncertainty.

Tinubu’ s account of this confrontation provides insight into his early political experiences and his willingness to challenge authority when necessary. It also sheds light on Babangida’ s leadership style— one that, despite being authoritarian in nature, recognized and respected courage. The encounter between the two figures was a defining moment that left a lasting mark on Tinubu, shaping his approach to leadership and governance in the years that followed.