IMMEDIATE past Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has debunked reports suggesting he resigned in protest of military operations authorised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the President is fully aware of the genuine reasons behind his exit from office.
News Point Nigeria reports that Badaru tendered his resignation on Monday night, citing health challenges. President Tinubu accepted the resignation and swiftly announced former Defence Chief, General Christopher Musa, as his successor.
However, the development sparked a wave of online speculation, including a viral claim alleging that Badaru stepped down because he “could not stand and watch the U.S. and Tinubu government bomb our brothers in the forest.”
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria late on Wednesday, the former minister described the circulating report as false, malicious, and deliberately designed to create political tension.
Badaru did not mince words as he dismissed the publication, insisting it was crafted solely to misrepresent his position and sow discord between him and President Tinubu.
“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 U.S. 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.”
He described the publication as “a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers,” asserting that his exit was guided strictly by personal and legitimate considerations that were clearly communicated to the President.
Badaru stressed that President Tinubu was formally informed of his real reasons, which were also made public before he stepped aside.
“The true and valid reasons for my resignation were formally communicated to Mr. President and subsequently made known to the public through conventional and social media platforms,” he stated.
“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood.”
The former minister took time to reinforce his loyalty to President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that his relationship with the President remains cordial and intact.
“I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Nigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security, and stability of our nation,” he said.
“My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact.”
He also pledged full support to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising that his resignation should not be misconstrued as a political disagreement.
Badaru served as Minister of Defence from August 2023 until his resignation in December 2025. Prior to that, he was a two-term governor of Jigawa State and a key figure within the APC.