In the murky waters of Nigerian politics, where deception is an art and loyalty is a currency, one man has mastered the game better than most—General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the self-styled evil genius and Maradona of Nigerian politics. Decades after leaving office, he remains a shadowy figure whose every move is analyzed, dissected, and often feared. His recent book launch, A Journey of Service, was supposed to be a simple unveiling of his memoirs, but was it really? Or was it, in classic Babangida style, the opening act of a much bigger political script?
A Book Launch or a Political Power Play?
The event was grand, the audience elite, and the donations astronomical. From past and present political gladiators to business moguls, royal fathers, and security chiefs, the gathering was nothing short of a who’s who in Nigerian politics. Among them were those who have shaped the country’s history and those seeking to shape its future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was present, gracing the occasion alongside other dignitaries, a sign that this was no ordinary event.
Political analysts were quick to note the deeper symbolism of the gathering. The timing of the event, just as the 2027 elections begin to loom on the horizon, raises questions: Was Babangida subtly repositioning himself as a kingmaker once again? Was this a calculated move to remind the political class that he still wields influence?
A seasoned political commentator, Dr. Bisi Akinola, noted: “In Nigerian politics, nothing is ever what it seems. Babangida is not a man who acts without strategy. If this book launch was merely about his legacy, then why the strategic guest list? Why now?”
The Osinbajo Factor – A Masterstroke or a Warning?
One of the most intriguing choices of the night was the selection of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to review the book. Osinbajo, a man who once stood in the shadows of President Tinubu, had dared to step into the light by contesting against him in the APC primaries. That singular act branded him a political traitor in the eyes of Tinubu loyalists. Yet here he was, standing in the limelight at an event orchestrated by Babangida, delivering a carefully worded review of the Maradona’s autobiography.
Could this be an attempt by Babangida to rehabilitate Osinbajo politically? Was it a subtle endorsement of a future ambition? Or was it a move to drive a wedge deeper into the APC, reminding President Tinubu that his enemies are regrouping?
Political scientist Prof. Adamu Musa of Ahmadu Bello University remarked: “Babangida never moves without purpose. If he is elevating Osinbajo in this manner, it means he sees him as a useful piece on the chessboard of 2027.”
IBB’s Shocking June 12 Confession – Too Little, Too Late?
For over three decades, Babangida dodged the question of June 12, 1993—the election that was universally regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, yet was annulled under his watch. But in a shocking twist, at his book launch, he finally admitted what Nigerians had always known: MKO Abiola won that election.
Why now? Why make such a confession at a time when the political climate is shifting? Some believe it is an attempt to soften his image and rehabilitate his legacy. Others see it as a calculated move to curry favor with the South-West, a region that still bears the scars of that betrayal.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, expressed what many Yoruba leaders felt when he said, “History will not forget June 12, no matter how many confessions come after the fact.”
Meanwhile, a prominent politician who requested anonymity remarked, “IBB may admit the truth, but the truth will never absolve him.”
But the real question is: Why admit it now? Could this be part of a larger plan to realign political forces for 2027?
A Man Who Cannot Be Underestimated
Babangida has always been a man of paradoxes—charming yet dangerous, brilliant yet deceptive, a man who promises democracy but delivers dictatorship. His name is synonymous with political gamesmanship, and his latest move raises more questions than answers.
Does he have a candidate for 2027? Is he trying to weaken the ruling APC? Or is he merely ensuring that he remains a key power broker, even in his old age?
Senator Shehu Sani, known for his blunt assessments of Nigerian politics, put it best: “Babangida is the only retired general who never truly retired. His hands are still in the game, and his fingerprints are on every political intrigue.”
What to Expect in the Coming Months
- A Fracture Within the APC: With Babangida’s subtle positioning of Osinbajo, Tinubu’s camp may need to watch its back. Could this signal a potential split within the ruling party?
- New Political Alliances: With 2027 on the horizon, Babangida might be working to build a coalition of those disenchanted with the current government. Could this mean a new political realignment?
- An Emerging Third Force? Could Babangida’s gathering of political titans be a hint at the emergence of an alternative to the traditional APC-PDP dominance?
The Maradona Strikes Again?
One thing is certain: Babangida never moves without strategy. His book launch was not just about telling his story—it was about shaping the next chapter of Nigeria’s political history.
Whether Nigerians trust him or not, he remains a formidable force. The real question is: What role will he play in 2027? And perhaps more importantly, who is the pawn, and who is the king in his grand game?
As the political landscape shifts, one cannot help but ask: Is Babangida truly done with power, or is this just another of his legendary tricks?