Badaru Resigns as Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position, citing health-related challenges that he says can no longer allow him to meet the demands of the office.

His resignation, tendered in a letter dated December 1, 2025, was immediately accepted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President appreciated Badaru’s service and wished him a full recovery.

The Presidency noted that Badaru’s decision was based strictly on medical advice and the need to prioritise his wellbeing.

Badaru, who previously served two terms as the Governor of Jigawa State before joining the federal cabinet in 2023, stepped down at a time when the country is grappling with heightened insecurity.

Nigeria is currently under a national security emergency, with escalating incidents of insurgency, banditry, and violent attacks across several states.

His exit has already triggered discussions about potential successors. According to insider reports, recently retired Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, is being strongly considered as a replacement, following his private meeting with the President shortly before Badaru’s resignation.

Though the Presidency has not confirmed this, sources within the defence sector indicate that Musa is seen as a “frontline favourite” due to his strategic experience and recent service.

With Badaru’s departure, the Defence Ministry is temporarily without a substantive minister, though senior officials are expected to manage ongoing operations until the President announces a new appointment.

Badaru’s resignation adds to growing concerns about leadership stability within key security institutions at a time when Nigeria faces some of its toughest internal security challenges in recent years.