President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce a new Minister of Defence this week after the sudden resignation of the current minister, Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down citing health challenges.
Abubakar’s resignation—effective immediately—was communicated in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to the President. The development was confirmed in a Monday evening statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the President has accepted Abubakar’s decision and expressed appreciation for his service. Tinubu is expected to forward the name of a new nominee to the Senate before the end of the week, signaling an accelerated transition process.
Abubakar, 63, previously served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms (2015–2023) before being appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His resignation comes at a critical time, as the federal government intensifies efforts to curb escalating insecurity that recently prompted President Tinubu to declare a nationwide security emergency.
The administration has rolled out new security measures, including the recruitment of 20,000 police officers, deployment of forest guards, and reinforced protection for schools, churches, and mosques in high-risk areas.
Before news of the resignation broke, President Tinubu held a private meeting with former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the State House. Musa, who retired on October 24, 2025, arrived at 7:03 p.m. dressed in a dark-green northern-style outfit before being escorted to the President’s office.
Although the purpose of the closed-door meeting remains undisclosed, it has intensified speculation regarding potential choices for the next Defence Minister.
