Tinubu Recalls Confrontation with IBB: “I Thought I Would End Up in Jail”

President Bola Tinubu has shared a memorable encounter with former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), recalling how he confronted him over the repeated postponement of the Senate inauguration.

Speaking at the launch of Babangida’s memoir, “A Journey of Service,” in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu credited IBB for shaping his political journey, stating, “Without you, people like me would not be in politics.”

Reflecting on the tense moment, Tinubu recounted:

“You summoned us to Abuja, and we became rancorous. I did not expect to speak; I only planned to listen, convinced in my radical manner that this man would delay the inauguration again.

“When I was called to speak, I confronted you. I told you that you had an opportunity to make history that day, and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us? Why were you calling us back and postponing the inauguration again?”

Fearing the consequences of his bold stance, Tinubu admitted, “I thought I would end up in jail.” However, instead of punishment, IBB responded with unexpected praise.

“At the end of my remark, you stood up and shook my hand. I will never forget that. You said, ‘You’re courageous.’ That was an inspiration that had a profound impact on my life.”

Tinubu’s revelation highlights a defining moment in his political journey, demonstrating how courage and conviction shaped his path.