Human rights activist and political commentator Omoyele Sowore has alleged that President Bola Tinubu requested the resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar to make way for the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
Earlier reports indicated that Abubakar resigned on Monday, citing health reasons. However, Sowore, in a post on his Facebook page, suggested that the resignation was part of a strategic decision by the presidency rather than personal health concerns.
According to Sowore, “Abubakar was asked by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside to make room for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa to be appointed Defence Minister.”
The allegation, if true, points to a broader reshuffle in the Nigerian Ministry of Defence amid concerns about national security and operational efficiency.
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar served as Nigeria’s Defence Minister for a short period, tasked with overseeing the nation’s armed forces and collaborating with security agencies to address challenges ranging from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry and kidnappings in the Northwest and North Central regions.
The resignation came at a time when security challenges continue to dominate national discourse, with attacks by armed groups persisting despite ongoing military operations. Observers suggest that leadership changes at the Defence Ministry are likely intended to strengthen coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and restore confidence among international partners.
Sowore also alleged that the Nigerian government is under pressure to relieve the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns over his effectiveness in dealing with security matters.
“There are also strong indications that US President Donald Trump’s United States military is pressing for the removal of the equally ineffective and utterly useless Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing serious concerns over intelligence sharing and collaboration,” Sowore claimed in his post.
General Christopher Musa is a retired Nigerian Army officer who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff. He is widely regarded as experienced in military operations and has held several high-ranking positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces. His appointment as Defence Minister, should it occur, would bring him from a military operational role into a political leadership position, a move that observers believe could improve coordination between political leadership and military command.
The alleged resignation request has sparked discussions about the political calculations behind cabinet reshuffles in Nigeria. President Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, has been navigating a complex political environment with a mixture of veteran politicians, technocrats, and former military leaders in his cabinet.
Sowore’s claims suggest that security considerations, as well as international partnerships, may be influencing personnel decisions within the Defence Ministry. Given the ongoing security challenges, the leadership of the ministry is a key concern for both domestic and international stakeholders.
Nigeria faces multiple security threats across the country. The Northeast continues to deal with the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency, while Northwest and North Central regions are plagued by kidnappings, banditry, and clashes between herders and farmers.
Reports of pressure from the US military to review Nigeria’s Defence leadership highlight the importance of cooperation between Nigeria and international allies in tackling security threats. The Ministry of Defence plays a crucial role in coordinating with foreign partners, managing intelligence, and directing operations to maintain national security.
Reactions to Sowore’s claims have been mixed. Supporters of the government argue that personnel changes are routine and necessary to maintain effective leadership in critical sectors, especially security. Critics, however, suggest that the allegations, if true, point to political interference in appointments, raising questions about transparency and decision-making in the cabinet.
While Abubakar’s resignation has been formally submitted and accepted, the next steps remain under discussion within the presidency. Whether General Christopher Musa will be appointed as Defence Minister remains speculative, but the report underscores the high stakes involved in managing Nigeria’s security apparatus.