In the grand game of Nigerian politics, where deception is an art, alliances are fleeting, and loyalty is measured in personal gain, few have played it better than General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The self-styled evil genius and Maradona of Nigerian politics has, for decades, remained a shadowy figure—his influence always felt, never fully understood.
His recent book launch, A Journey of Service, was no mere literary event. It was a carefully orchestrated spectacle, loaded with political undertones, silent declarations, and strategic moves.
And at the center of this grand performance was an unexpected actor—Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Why did Babangida, a master of political subterfuge, choose the former Vice President, a man whose political career nearly ended at the hands of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to review his book?
Was this a symbolic endorsement? A subtle act of provocation? Or was it simply another chapter in Babangida’s never-ending game of power chess?
The Unexpected Choice: What Was Babangida Thinking?
For those who understand Babangida, nothing he does is by accident. The man who annulled the June 12 election, orchestrated the rise and fall of political juggernauts, and built a reputation as Nigeria’s most enigmatic political player does not operate on whims.
Osinbajo, by all accounts, was an unusual pick. He is a technocrat, a man more associated with policy and governance than the dark arts of political maneuvering.
He was Tinubu’s loyal protégé—until 2022, when he dared to challenge his former benefactor for the APC presidential ticket. That act of defiance branded him a political traitor in the eyes of Tinubu’s loyalists, effectively exiling him from the inner circles of power.
So why did Babangida—a man whose every move is calculated—choose professor Osinbajo to review his book? Was it a sign that the Maradona of Nigerian politics is eyeing a new player to upend the current power structure?
Maradona’s Signature Move: Disrupt and Divide
Babangida’s political style has always been about one thing: disruption. He thrives on division, on playing factions against each other, on ensuring that the political waters remain perpetually murky. His greatest talent has never been holding power but controlling those who do.
By placing Osinbajo at the center of his book launch, Babangida sent an unmistakable signal—one that was impossible to ignore.
A Snub to Tinubu? Babangida, who understands the language of political power better than most, knew that Osinbajo’s presence would be perceived as an indirect challenge to Tinubu. The message was clear: Osinbajo is not finished. He still has a role to play.
An Invitation to the Opposition? Was this a way of rehabilitating Osinbajo in preparation for 2027? If the APC under Tinubu fractures, could Osinbajo be a rallying figure for those seeking an alternative?
A Political Realignment? Babangida’s endorsement—even a subtle one—carries weight. He may no longer wield direct power, but his influence among Nigeria’s power brokers remains significant. What Did Osinbajo’s Presence Mean?
Osinbajo’s speech at the event was diplomatic, careful, and measured. He praised Babangida’s contributions to the nation’s history, spoke about leadership, and avoided direct political commentary. Yet, the optics were undeniable. Here was a man who had been sidelined in the corridors of power, suddenly given a prominent platform by none other than Babangida himself.
Political scientist Dr. Adamu Musa of Ahmadu Bello University observed:
“Babangida is many things, but he is not careless. If he is elevating Osinbajo in this manner, it means he sees him as a useful piece on the chessboard of 2027. The question is, in what role?”
Tinubu’s Calculated Silence
One of the most interesting aspects of the event was the reaction—or rather, the lack thereof—from President Tinubu’s camp. While Tinubu himself was present at the launch, he remained notably silent about Osinbajo’s role in it.
Was this an intentional show of indifference? A refusal to acknowledge what many saw as an indirect challenge? Or was it a quiet warning that he was fully aware of the game being played?
A close Tinubu ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, remarked:
“Asiwaju doesn’t react to distractions. Osinbajo made his choice in 2022, and that door is closed. If Babangida wants to play kingmaker, let him try. The real political game is beyond media speculation.”
Yet, silence in politics is never truly silent. The presence of Osinbajo at such a high-profile event, under the patronage of Babangida, is not something Tinubu’s camp would simply ignore.
Babangida’s Endgame: What’s Next?
Babangida, despite his age, remains a master of the long game. His book launch was not just a literary exercise—it was a political statement. By bringing together the old and new power players, he reminded Nigeria that he still has a voice in shaping the future.
So what does this mean for 2027?
A Potential Crack in the APC? If Tinubu’s leadership weakens, could Babangida position Osinbajo as a rallying figure for those dissatisfied within the party?
A New Coalition? With Nigeria’s two-party system increasingly unstable, Babangida may be laying the groundwork for a new political alignment, one that cuts across traditional party lines.
A Reminder of His Power? Perhaps, at the very least, this was simply Babangida doing what he does best—reminding the political class that he remains a force to be reckoned with. The Final Question: Who Is the Pawn, and Who Is the King?
As Nigeria hurtles towards 2027, the political landscape is already shifting. Babangida’s decision to highlight Osinbajo was not random. It was a message, a signal, a calculated move. But to what end?
Is Osinbajo a mere pawn in Babangida’s game, or is he being positioned as a king in his own right? Is this the beginning of a serious political comeback, or just another chapter in the endless power struggles of Nigerian politics?
One thing is certain: Maradona never moves without a plan.
And in this game, only time will reveal whether this was a masterstroke—or just another elaborate bluff from Nigeria’s most legendary political strategist.
•Written By Mohammed Bello Doka
