Tinubu Expected to Name Ex-CDS Musa as Defence Minister After Badaru’s Exit

There are strong indications that former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), is set to re-enter public service in a civilian role, as President Bola Tinubu moves to reorganise the defence ministry following the departure of Mohammed Badaru.

We had earlier reported that General Musa visited President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday evening, arriving shortly after 7:00 pm for a closed-door discussion.

The visit marked his first formal engagement with the Presidency since retiring from military service on October 24, 2025.

However, presidency insiders told SaharaReporters that during the meeting, President Tinubu informed the retired defence chief that he would take over from Badaru as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister.

According to the source, Tinubu personally conveyed the decision, telling Musa, “You will succeed Badaru as Defence Minister.”

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned on Monday night, listing health-related challenges as the primary reason for leaving office.

In a letter dated December 1, 2025, and addressed to President Tinubu, the minister explained that the decision to withdraw from public service was based solely on medical recommendations, as stated in a release issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.

The statement noted, “President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.”

While receiving the resignation, President Tinubu acknowledged Badaru’s dedication throughout his tenure.

The Presidency confirmed that Tinubu is expected to forward the name of Badaru’s replacement to the Senate within days.

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

Before his ministerial role in Tinubu’s administration, Badaru served two terms as governor of Jigawa State. He governed the state from 2015 to 2023 and joined the federal cabinet on August 21, 2023, after the 2023 general elections.