Ex-CDS Christopher Musa Poised to Replace Badaru as Defence Minister After Sudden Resignation

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, is being positioned to take over as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence following the abrupt resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday night, reliable sources have told Business Hallmark.

General Musa reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening—his first public engagement with the President since his removal as CDS on October 24, 2025. According to sources, President Tinubu informed Musa during the meeting that he would be appointed to “succeed Badaru as Defence Minister.”

Badaru, in a letter dated December 1 and submitted to President Tinubu, stated that he was stepping down on health grounds. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Badaru’s service to the nation.

“President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week,” the statement added.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before his appointment as Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His resignation comes at a time the President has declared a national security emergency, with further details expected soon.