By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar |
Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has tendered his resignation from the Federal Executive Council with immediate effect.
The news was confirmed in an official press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, late on Monday.
According to the statement, the former Jigawa State Governor cited health grounds as the reason for his departure in a resignation letter dated December 1 and addressed directly to President Tinubu. The President has since accepted the resignation and expressed his gratitude for Abubakar's service to the nation during his tenure.
This abrupt exit creates a critical vacancy at the helm of the Ministry of Defence at a pivotal moment for Nigeria's security apparatus.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, served as the two-term Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed as Defence Minister by President Tinubu on August 21, 2023.
His relatively brief tenure of just over a year at the defence portfolio saw continued operations against armed groups, banditry, and other security challenges across the country. His background as a state chief executive was central to his appointment, bringing a sub-national perspective to the federal security architecture.
The resignation comes at a particularly sensitive time, following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency. The presidency has indicated plans to elaborate on the scope and specific measures of this emergency in due course.
Analysts speculate that Abubakar's departure may prompt a swift strategic reshuffle, with President Tinubu expected to inform the Senate of a nominated successor later this week, as confirmed by the presidential statement.