Defense Minister Resigns Amidst National Security Emergency Declaration

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, citing pressing health concerns.

The resignation, conveyed in a letter dated December 1st and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signals a significant shift in the nation’s security leadership at a particularly critical juncture.

President Tinubu has formally accepted Abubakar’s resignation, expressing his appreciation for the minister’s contributions to national service.

A statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development and indicated that President Tinubu will notify the Senate of a nominee for the crucial Defence portfolio before the close of this week.

Alhaji Abubakar, 63, steps down after a relatively brief tenure as Minister of Defence, having been appointed on August 21, 2023. Before his federal appointment, he served two terms as the Executive Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023.

The resignation comes at a highly sensitive period, occurring shortly after President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency.

While details regarding the scope and implementation of these emergency measures are still anticipated, Abubakar’s departure from the Ministry of Defence inevitably raises questions about the continuity and strategic direction of the government’s response to the nation’s multifaceted security challenges.

Sources close to the presidency suggest that President Tinubu is expected to provide further insights into the national security emergency and its implications in the coming days. This context makes the timing of the Defence Minister’s resignation all the more noteworthy.
The search for a successor to lead the Ministry of Defence will undoubtedly be a priority for the President as he navigates this period of heightened security focus.