Nigerian Leaders Honor Ibrahim Babangida on 85th Birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and various political leaders congratulated former military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on his 85th birthday on August 17, 2026. In a statement released by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu credited Babangida's eight-year tenure following the 1985 coup with expanding the national economy and establishing lasting infrastructure and agencies. He specifically noted that Babangida's foresight and sense of equity were instrumental in the creation of several Nigerian states.

The Northern Senators Forum, in a statement signed by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, highlighted the creation of 11 states between 1987 and 1991 and the December 1991 relocation of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja as enduring gifts to Nigerian federalism. Other officials, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, described Babangida as a consequential and visionary leader who helped stabilize the country.

Celebrations continued on August 18 at Babangida's residence in Minna, where General Abdulsalami Abubakar praised his leadership of the Nigerian Army. The event included prayers for the former president's health offered by Islamic scholars. Additionally, Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa noted the importance of Babangida's recent reflections on the June 12, 1993, presidential election as a contribution to the national historical record.