On December 1, 2025, defence minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar formally submitted his resignation to Bola Tinubu, citing health reasons. The resignation is effective immediately, and the Presidency announced that Mr. Tinubu accepted it, thanking Badaru for his services to the nation.
Badaru, aged 63, previously served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023), before his appointment as Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
The announcement comes at a sensitive time: the resignation coincides with a nationwide security emergency declared by the government — a period marked by rising insecurity across multiple regions.
🔎 Why It Matters — Implications for National Security and Public Confidence
• A Shake-up Amid Crisis
The Defence Ministry heads the nation’s response to insurgency, banditry, and widespread insecurity. The minister’s exit at such a volatile time inevitably raises questions about continuity, coordination, and morale within the armed forces. A sudden leadership change could risk destabilizing ongoing operations or affecting strategic planning.
• Accountability & Leadership Expectations
Beyond health reasons, for many Nigerians the resignation brings to the fore broader issues of performance, accountability, and competence. Critics have previously argued that appointing a civilian — with no military background — to oversee national defence undermines effectiveness.
The change offers an opportunity to reflect on what the country expects from defence leadership: strategic competence, military insight, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens.
• Public Trust and Government Credibility
Frequent or unexplained leadership changes tend to erode public confidence — especially in sectors as sensitive as national security. The government must now act swiftly to manage the transition transparently, reassure citizens, and show that institutional stability remains a priority even in turmoil.
🔄 Who’s Next? The Likely Successor and What It Means
Speculation is strong that Christopher Musa — a recently retired Chief of Defence Staff — is being considered to replace Badaru. Reports indicate he met with President Tinubu shortly before the resignation announcement, fueling expectations of a prompt nomination.
Musa’s background stands in contrast to Badaru’s: as a career military officer, he led major operations against insurgents, advocated for civil-military cooperation, and emphasized modernization of the defence architecture.
If appointed, his leadership could signal a renewed emphasis on operational competence, discipline, and tactical response — qualities many stakeholders believe Nigeria’s defence infrastructure needs at this critical moment.
🧭 What Nigeria Must Demand Next — Three Key Priorities
- Transparent Confirmation Process. The government should expedite the nomination and confirmation of a successor, and clearly communicate the rationale and timelines to the public and the Senate.
- Strengthen Institutional Stability. Beyond one individual, the Defence Ministry and armed forces need stability, consistent funding, and a long-term plan — not just a short-term fix.
- Focus on Strategy & Outcomes. Whoever leads must prioritize a coherent security strategy: tackling root causes of insecurity, improving intelligence and logistics, safeguarding civilians, and restoring trust.
✍️ Final Reflection: A Moment of Reckoning and Opportunity
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar’s resignation as Defence Minister is more than a personnel change — it’s a crucible moment for Nigeria’s security architecture and the government’s credibility.
If handled well, the transition could mark the beginning of renewed resolve, smarter strategy, and improved public trust. If mismanaged, it risks deepening instability at a time when the country can least afford it.
As Nigeria awaits the next step, one thing is clear: leadership in defence must combine integrity, expertise, and real commitment to national security. The country — and its citizens — deserve nothing less.
📚 References
- State House (Abuja). BADARU ABUBAKAR, Defence Minister, Resigns. Press release, December 1, 2025. State House
- TheCable. Badaru resigns as defence minister, cites health reasons. December 1, 2025. TheCable
- The Vanguard. Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, resigns. December 1, 2025. Vanguard News
- THISDAY. Citing health grounds, Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, Resigns. December 1, 2025. Thisdaylive
- Independent Newspaper (Nigeria). Defence Minister, Badaru Resigns. December 2, 2025. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+1
- Punch NG. Defence minister Badaru resigns on health grounds. December 1, 2025. Punch Newspapers
- BusinessDay Nigeria. Tinubu accepts Defence Minister Badaru’s resignation. December 1, 2025. Businessday NG
- PRNigeria. Ex-Defence Chief Gen. CG Musa Meets Tinubu as Defence Minister Badaru Resigns. December 1, 2025. PRNigeria News+1
- 36NG Nigeria. Defence minister Alhaji Mohammed Badaru resigns on health grounds. December 2, 2025. 36ng.ng
