President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reflected on a pivotal moment when he boldly confronted former military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida, over what he described as a missed historic opportunity for Nigeria.
The incident occurred during Babangida’s rule from 1985 to 1993, a period when Tinubu, then newly elected as a senator for Lagos West, faced a political standoff with the government.
Speaking at a book launch in Babangida’s honour, Tinubu recounted the tense moment when he challenged the former military president for repeatedly postponing the inauguration of newly elected officials, including himself.
“I’ll never forget,” Tinubu began. “You were in office, and you acknowledged that we were elected, yet you kept postponing our inauguration. You kept calling us back and forth, and we became restless.”
Tinubu recalled being summoned to Abuja and later to the International Conference Centre, where he was determined that Babangida would again delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
It was during this meeting that Tinubu spoke up, telling Babangida, “You had the opportunity to make history that day, but you failed to seize it.” He added, “Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing it again?”
The President admitted that his bold remarks had him fearing imprisonment, as it was widely believed that such defiance could result in dire consequences.
However, despite the tense atmosphere, Tinubu’s confrontation ended with Babangida offering a handshake, a gesture the President described as a moment he would never forget.
“After I made my remarks, you came forward and shook my hand,” Tinubu said, remembering the encounter fondly. “That moment has stayed with me.”
In his tribute to Babangida’s legacy, Tinubu also praised the former leader for his role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. “General Ibrahim Babangida, without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. You inspired some of us,” Tinubu said, acknowledging Babangida’s role in encouraging young, brilliant minds to join the political arena.
“You had a vision of a progressive revolution,” the President continued. “You said you wanted young people in politics, and that inspired many of us. When we look at your policies, we can see your vision as a leader.”
Tinubu also humorously mentioned that although he had yet to read Babangida’s book, he had already obtained a copy and intended to do so.
In response, Babangida, reflecting on his time as Nigeria’s head of state, revisited the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Thirty-two years after the event, Babangida maintained that his decision, which led to widespread protests and a national crisis, was taken in what he believed to be the best interest of Nigeria.
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