Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned abruptly, citing health concerns, prompting a flurry of endorsements urging President Bola Tinubu to appoint retired Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as his successor.
In a letter dated December 1, Mr Badaru told the president he was stepping down “due to health reasons,” ending a tenure that began in August 2023. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Mr Tinubu had “accepted his resignation and thanked him for his service to the nation,” adding that the Senate would be notified of a replacement this week.
Mr Badaru, 63, a former two-term governor of Jigawa State, exits office just as the president has declared a national security emergency and is expected to outline new measures in the coming days.
Security coalition backs Musa
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) was among the first to respond, praising the former minister’s “dedicated service” while urging the president to appoint Gen Musa, whose tenure as CDS ended in October 2025.
“Musa has a proven track record of leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in security matters,” NCSCN’s executive director, Blessing Akinlosotu, said in Abuja. He argued that the retired general had implemented “significant reforms,” including Operation Hadarin Daji, which he said “led to the liberation of several territories from terrorist control.”
Mr Akinlosotu further pointed to Musa’s role in strengthening regional cooperation, upgrading military capabilities, and promoting “professionalism and discipline” across the armed forces. He insisted Musa’s appointment would reinforce the president’s “commitment to merit-based leadership.”
“We… urge Tinubu to consider Musa’s nomination and submit it to the Senate for confirmation,” he said.
APC chieftain joins calls
An APC stalwart, Muritala Audu, also backed the former defence chief, describing him as a stabilising force credited with major breakthroughs in counterinsurgency.
“Gen Musa… was praised for stabilising major conflict zones during his tenure,” Mr Audu said, highlighting success in Operation Hadin Kai, which he said led to a sharp decline in insurgent attacks and the rescue of “more than 1,500 hostages.”
He also cited Musa’s embrace of technology-based defence reforms, including drone surveillance and cyber-defence upgrades, as well as civil-military programmes that delivered new schools, clinics, and skills training across conflict-affected areas.
According to Mr Audu, the former CDS has earned global recognition, including the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering and the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award.
The presidency has yet to comment on whether Gen Musa is under consideration, but observers say the rapid, coordinated endorsements signal growing pressure on Tinubu as he prepares to announce a new defence minister amid heightened security concerns nationwide.
