A former Chief of Defence Staff is set to make a return to public service in a civilian capacity, as President Bola Tinubu moves to restructure the defence portfolio following the resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru.
General Christopher Musa, who retired from military service on October 24, 2025, reportedly visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening. He arrived at the Aso Rock State House shortly after 7:00 p.m. for a closed-door meeting—his first public engagement with the Presidency since his retirement.
According to top government sources who spoke with SaharaReporters, President Tinubu informed the retired defence chief during the meeting that he would be appointed as Nigeria’s next Defence Minister. A presidency insider confirmed the development, quoting the President as saying directly to Musa: “You will succeed Badaru as Defence Minister.”
Badaru tendered his resignation late Monday night, citing health concerns as the primary reason for stepping down. In a letter dated December 1, 2025, addressed to President Tinubu, he explained that the decision was based strictly on medical advice.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement on Monday announcing that Tinubu had accepted Badaru’s resignation. The statement noted:
“President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.”
Tinubu also commended the outgoing minister for his dedication during his tenure.
The Presidency further confirmed that the President would formally notify the Senate of Badaru’s successor within the week.
“President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week,” the statement added.
Before joining Tinubu’s cabinet in August 2023—following the 2023 general elections—Mohammed Badaru served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms, governing from 2015 to 2023.