Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his position with immediate effect, citing health challenges, just hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), at the Presidential Villa.
In a resignation letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Tinubu, Badaru stated that he was stepping down on medical grounds. The President has accepted his resignation and expressed gratitude for his service.
The timing of the development has fueled speculation that General Musa — who served as Chief of Defence Staff until his retirement earlier in the year — may be under consideration to replace Badaru.
Although the presidency has not commented on the possibility, the retired general’s visit to Aso Rock shortly before the resignation has intensified the rumours.
President Tinubu is expected to formally notify the Senate of his choice for a new defence minister later this week.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, previously governed Jigawa State for two terms from 2015 to 2023 before he was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His departure comes as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency, with details on its scope and implementation expected soon.
The announcement of the resignation was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on December 1, 2025.
