Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his position, effective immediately.
In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the former minister explained that his decision to step aside was due to health challenges.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s contributions during his time in office. The President is expected to submit a replacement to the Senate for confirmation later in the week.
Abubakar, aged 63, previously served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as Defence Minister on August 21, 2023.
His exit comes at a critical moment, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency and is expected to outline its full scope soon.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.