The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s claim that former military President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) played a role in tormenting Tinubu during Nigeria’s military era.
Osinbajo made the remark last week while reviewing Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, at its launch in Abuja.
He recalled how Tinubu, then a senator, stood against the military’s decision to dissolve the Senate following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In a humorous tone, Osinbajo pointed out that Tinubu, once oppressed by the military, including Babangida, was now celebrating one of his past adversaries.
Onanuga: “Osinbajo Got It Wrong”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Onanuga refuted Osinbajo’s account, arguing that Babangida was actually a major influence on Tinubu’s political career, not a tormentor.
“I think the former Vice President got it wrong. Babangida was not a tormentor of President Tinubu. In fact, Tinubu himself acknowledged at the event that Babangida inspired him to join politics,” Onanuga stated.
Babangida’s Influence on Tinubu’s Political Journey
He explained that during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Babangida championed the idea of “new-breed politicians,” encouraging technocrats and professionals to enter politics.
Tinubu, then a successful accountant in the private sector, was one of those who answered the call and joined politics.
“The military president talked about bringing fresh faces into leadership, and many professionals, including Tinubu, took that as a challenge.
That’s why he attended the book launch—to pay respect to someone who helped shape his political journey,” Onanuga added.
Abacha, Not Babangida, Was Tinubu’s Real Opponent
Onanuga clarified that Tinubu’s real troubles with the military began under General Sani Abacha, when he and other lawmakers attempted to reconvene the Senate in Lagos after it was dissolved.
He also praised Babangida for his recent public admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, though he noted that the acknowledgment came too late.
Conclusion
As political debates continue, Onanuga’s remarks aim to set the record straight about Tinubu’s relationship with Babangida.
While opinions may differ, one thing remains clear: Tinubu’s journey into politics was significantly influenced by the military-era reforms, whether as an inspiration or as an adversary.
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