Tinubu Moves to Appoint New Defence Minister Following Resignation

President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce a new Minister of Defence this week following the sudden resignation of Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down due to health concerns.

Abubakar’s resignation, effective immediately, was formally communicated to the President in a letter dated December 1. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the President has accepted Abubakar’s decision and expressed gratitude for his contributions. It also noted that Tinubu is likely to forward the name of a replacement to the Senate within the week, signalling that the selection process is already in motion.

Abubakar, 63, previously served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State before his appointment as Defence Minister in August 2023. His departure comes at a critical time as the government is confronting escalating security challenges that recently led the President to declare a nationwide security emergency.

The administration has rolled out new security measures, including plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, deploy forest guards, and strengthen protection for schools, churches, and mosques in high-risk areas.

There had also been growing criticism from analysts who questioned Abubakar’s suitability for the role.

Shortly before news of his resignation became public, President Tinubu held a private meeting at the State House with former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.). Musa, who retired on October 24, 2025, was seen arriving at about 7:03 p.m. before being escorted into the President’s office wing.

Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, it heightened speculation about potential candidates to replace Abubakar at the Ministry of Defence.