Fresh details have emerged suggesting that the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, was triggered by internal conflict within the ministry rather than the health reasons officially announced by the Presidency.
The former minister stepped down on Monday, ending his two-year stay in office, while President Bola Tinubu immediately swore in retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as his replacement.
Although presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that Badaru resigned due to “poor health,” senior military officials familiar with developments said his exit was the result of a long-running feud with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Badaru, who was appointed on August 21, 2023 after completing two terms as governor of Jigawa State, was brought into the federal cabinet with expectations that his administrative background and influence in the North-West would help strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism.
Not long after assuming office, he reportedly focused on military modernisation, intelligence reforms and counterterrorism operations. Matawalle was also appointed on the same day to support him in executing defence policies.
However, the two ministers came under heavy criticism in recent months as renewed bandit attacks swept across the North, culminating in mass abductions of schoolchildren in several states. The situation eventually led President Tinubu to declare a nationwide security emergency.
Growing public anger, coupled with commentary from security analysts, intensified calls for Badaru’s removal. The pressure increased further in October when the Trump administration re-listed Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern following reports of attacks on Christians.
By December 1, Badaru submitted his resignation.
Sources within the ministry insist that the decisive factor was the strained relationship between him and Matawalle. One senior official, who spoke anonymously, said the two ministers barely worked together behind the scenes despite maintaining a cordial public appearance.
According to the official, the cold war affected several aspects of ministry operations, including media coordination. He noted that the communications unit had become disorganised, unlike what existed before the pair took charge.
Another top military source said Matawalle’s perceived closeness to the Presidency gave him more influence in the ministry, often overshadowing Badaru. The source added that key figures in the All Progressives Congress view the former Zamfara governor as a vital political asset for the 2027 elections because of his strong grassroots network in the North-West.
In contrast, the source claimed Badaru lacked political weight and had little backing when internal disagreements arose.
He said, “Matawalle has strong connections within the Presidency and across the North-West. The APC values him for 2027, so he always had the upper hand. But Badaru doesn’t have that strength politically. When it comes to power play, the Presidency doesn’t really rely on him.”
