President Tinubu Accepts Resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down from his position with immediate effect.
The resignation was formally tendered by the former Minister in a letter addressed to the President and
dated Monday, December 1, 2025.

The reason cited for his immediate departure from the Federal Executive Council was health concerns,
requiring urgent and sustained attention.
The resignation was officially confirmed by the Presidency in a statement released on Monday,
December 1, 2025, by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and
Strategy.
President Tinubu acknowledged and accepted the resignation, expressing gratitude to Alhaji Badaru
Abubakar for his service to the nation.

The President particularly noted the former Minister’s dedication during a critical period marked by
heightened security challenges and ongoing reforms within the defence establishment.
Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, 63, had served as the two-term Governor of Jigawa State from
2015 to 2023 before being appointed as the Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the administration, immediately following
President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency intended to intensify the fight against
insurgency, banditry, and organized crime across the country.

The Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu is expected to communicate his choice of a successor
for the crucial Defence portfolio to the Senate for screening and confirmation later this week to ensure a
smooth transition in the nation’s security management.

By Oyinkansola Shittu.

thewyreng