IBB Breaks Silence: Explosive New Book Reveals Untold Secrets of His Time in Power

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Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has released his long-awaited autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service‘, offering a rare glimpse into the life and decisions of one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders.

The 420-page book, published in 2025, chronicles his early years, military career, governance, and life after retirement, providing an insider’s perspective on events that shaped Nigeria’s political and economic trajectory.

Babangida’s journey begins with his upbringing in Minna, Niger State, detailing his childhood influences, family heritage, and early education. His passion for leadership was nurtured during his time at the Provincial Secondary School in Bida, where he was exposed to the values of discipline, excellence, and national service.

The book recounts his decision to join the Nigerian Military Training College in 1962, setting him on a path that would see him become one of Nigeria’s most formidable military officers.

The memoir provides an in-depth look at his military career, particularly his role in the Nigerian Civil War and his rapid rise through the ranks. It explores his experiences in military strategy, training in institutions across India, the UK, and the US, and his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff. Babangida offers detailed reflections on the series of coups that shaped Nigeria’s governance, including the 1983 ousting of President Shehu Shagari, the rise of General Muhammadu Buhari, and his own takeover of power in 1985.

As head of state, Babangida embarked on an ambitious agenda of economic and political reforms, some of which remain subjects of intense debate. He delves into his introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which sought to liberalize the economy but resulted in significant hardship for many Nigerians.

His tenure also saw the creation of key institutions such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the establishment of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital. The book also highlights his governance approach, including the decentralization of power through the creation of additional states, efforts to implement a two-party political system, and the botched transition to democracy.

One of the most anticipated sections of ‘A Journey in Service’ covers the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which saw Chief Moshood Abiola poised to take office. Babangida attempts to explain the pressures and circumstances surrounding his decision, offering his own justification for what has been widely viewed as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. He provides new insights into the political and security concerns that led to the annulment, as well as his eventual resignation and handover to an interim government.

Beyond politics and governance, the book also captures Babangida’s personal life, offering reflections on his marriage to the late Maryam Babangida and the impact of leadership on his family. He shares intimate details of the sacrifices made in service to the nation and his post-retirement years in Minna, where he remains an influential figure in Nigerian political discourse.

‘A Journey in Service’ is more than just a memoir; it is an attempt to reshape the narrative surrounding Babangida’s legacy. While some see him as a visionary leader who modernized Nigeria, others regard his tenure as one marked by economic turmoil and political maneuvering. The book does not shy away from these debates, instead offering Babangida’s own perspective on the choices he made and the challenges he faced.

With its rich historical detail, personal anecdotes, and political revelations, A Journey in Service is set to be one of the most talked-about political memoirs in Nigeria’s history. Whether it serves as an honest reflection or a strategic defense of his legacy, Babangida’s account ensures that his role in shaping Nigeria will continue to be discussed for generations to come.