Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has disputed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s claim that former military President Ibrahim Babangida tormented Tinubu during the military era.
Onanuga insisted that Babangida was actually a major influence on Tinubu’s political journey.
Osinbajo made the remark while reviewing Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, at its public presentation in Abuja. He recalled how Tinubu, then a senator, resisted the military’s dissolution of the Senate following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Osinbajo noted that Tinubu, who was then “tormented” by the military, including Babangida, was now present to celebrate one of his former adversaries.
However, Onanuga countered the claim on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme. “I think the former Vice President got it wrong. Babangida was not really a tormentor of President Tinubu. Don’t forget that in his own speech at the event, Tinubu acknowledged that Babangida inspired him to go into politics,” Onanuga said.
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Onanuga explained that Babangida’s call for new-breed politicians in the late 1980s and early 1990s attracted several technocrats and private sector professionals, including Tinubu, into politics. “The military president had talked about bringing in fresh faces, and many professionals, including Tinubu, heeded that call. So, he went there (the book launch) to pay homage,” Onanuga added.
The presidential aide clarified that Tinubu’s real challenges with the military began under General Sani Abacha when he and some lawmakers attempted to reconvene the Senate in Lagos. “That was when the real problem started, not under Babangida. Under Abacha, Tinubu was a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which was fighting for the restoration of democracy,” Onanuga explained.
Onanuga also commended Babangida’s recent admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, but noted that such acknowledgement came too late. “It’s good that he has finally acknowledged that Abiola won the election, but it’s a bit too late. The damage has been done, and the country has moved on,” Onanuga said.
The clarification by Onanuga has shed new light on the relationship between Tinubu and Babangida, highlighting the complexities of Nigeria’s political history. As the country continues to navigate its democratic journey, understanding the past is crucial for building a better future.
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