In a surprise move late Monday, 1st December, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has tendered his resignation and it has been accepted with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the former minister submitted a resignation letter dated December 1, citing health reasons for stepping down.
President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Badaru’s service to the nation. The presidency said it will likely notify the Senate of his successor “later this week.”
The resignation comes at a critical moment, as Nigeria remains under a national security emergency declared by President Tinubu. Observers say the shake-up may reflect a recalibration in response to continuing security challenges facing the country.
Abubakar Badaru, 63, served as Defence Minister since August 21, 2023 after serving as a Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023.
Few hours after the announcement, reports emerged that retired Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, is poised to be named as Badaru’s replacement.
