Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from office with immediate effect, citing health challenges. His resignation was formally communicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter dated December 1.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has accepted the minister’s decision and expressed appreciation for his service to the nation. The President is expected to notify the Senate of a replacement before the end of the week.
Badaru, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before being appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His departure comes at a sensitive moment, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency, with further details of the initiative expected to be unveiled in due course.
The Presidency did not disclose the nature of Badaru’s ailment but emphasised that his health condition necessitated immediate resignation.
Below is the text
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Badaru Abubakar, Defence Minister, Resigns
Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.
In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.
President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.
Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 1, 2025
