As the nation awaits president Bola Tinubu’s implementation of Donald Trump’s security recipes that are expected to lead to more ‘resignations’ in the defence and security architecture, following allegations of Christian genocide, Mohammed Badaru, former minister of defence, has dismissed as “entirely false” a viral publication claiming he resigned because he opposed alleged US and Nigerian military operations against armed groups.
Badaru’s exit has led to clamour for total overhaul of the security and defence sector that should see the exit Bello Matawalle, junior defence minister and Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, even as Nigerians await imminent cabinet reshuffle.
Badaru tendered his resignation in a letter dated December 1, citing health reasons. President Bola Tinubu has since accepted his resignation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the former minister said his attention was drawn to an online post suggesting he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest”.
He said the claim was fabricated to smear his name and create the impression of a rift between him and the president.
“My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false and baseless publication circulating online, alleging that I stated I resigned as minister of defence because I ‘cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest’,” he said.
“I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that this publication is entirely false, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from me or from any authorised representative acting on my behalf.
“The intent behind this fabrication is clear: to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief … and create needless distractions from the important work of governance.”
Badaru said the genuine reason for his exit — health concerns — had been formally communicated to Tinubu and publicly disclosed. He described any alternative explanation as an “engineered falsehood”.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains committed to national stability and to the party’s success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following his resignation, Tinubu appointed Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence. Musa was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.
