Speculation intensified on Monday evening over the possible appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
Activist Omoyele Sowore, reacting to the development on his Facebook page, alleged that Badaru did not voluntarily resign as claimed. According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked the minister to “step aside to make room” for Gen. Musa to take over the defence portfolio.
Sowore also claimed that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, may soon be removed following pressure from the United States over intelligence-sharing concerns, adding that the former Zamfara governor has long been accused of links to bandit groups—a claim Matawalle has repeatedly denied in the past.
His comments mirror growing speculation among analysts and political observers who say President Tinubu may turn to Gen. Musa as part of a broader shake-up of the nation’s security architecture. The speculation comes at a time the President has declared a national security emergency, signaling imminent structural and operational changes within the defence sector.
Sowore’s assertions gained traction online, with many commentators suggesting that Musa’s recent engagements and visibility indicate he may be President Tinubu’s preferred candidate. Others argue that the administration is under pressure to demonstrate stronger leadership on security amid persistent concerns about banditry, terrorism, and intelligence coordination.
Meanwhile, the Presidency on Monday formally announced Badaru’s resignation. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Defence Minister stepped down “on health grounds” in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Tinubu. The President, the statement said, has accepted his resignation and expressed gratitude for his service.
Badaru, 63, a former two-term governor of Jigawa State, was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023. His exit comes at a sensitive moment, as the administration prepares to unveil the full scope of its newly declared national security emergency.
The Presidency added that President Tinubu is expected to communicate Badaru’s successor to the Senate later this week. However, with growing public speculation and Sowore’s intervention, attention is firmly fixed on whether General Musa will be named to lead the Defence Ministry in the coming days.
