Abdulsalami Reveals 1952 Soothsayer’s Prophecy on IBB and Presidency

Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has disclosed a 1952 prophecy by a soothsayer about Ibrahim Babangida’s future and his journey to the presidency.

Former military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has disclosed that a soothsayer once foretold the ascent of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) to becoming Nigeria’s Head of State.

Abubakar stated that the prophecy was made in 1952, an impressive 33 years before IBB took over as leader of the country in 1985.

Abubakar mentioned that the soothsayer’s prediction had been a frequent topic of discussion among their peers during their military service, and it came true when Babangida ultimately took control through a military coup.

Abubakar delivered a speech on Thursday in Abuja at the launch event for IBB’s memoir, titled “A Journey In Service.”

The book launch took place in conjunction with a fundraising event for the IBB Presidential Library.

The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, along with other dignitaries.

Abdulsalami, a neighbor of IBB in Mina, took the audience on a trip down memory lane as he narrated the prediction.

About 80 years ago, when we were growing up in the small town of Minna, dating back to 1952, a soothsayer predicted that IBB would become the head of state of our country.

We never trusted him. However, Captain Gowon, an intelligent young officer, persuaded us to enlist in the military. Once we joined the army, our only aspiration was to achieve the rank of captain and then retire.

“Through God’s mercy, we were propelled to become generals and eventually, by His grace, both of us rose to be heads of state. Reflecting on our adventures always brings a smile to our faces.”

Ultimately, both leaders went on to govern Africa’s most populous nation at different times as generals.

IBB served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1985 to 1993, while Abubakar was the head of state from 1998 to 1999 and facilitated the transition to a civilian government.