Defence minister Mohammed Badaru quits Tinubu’s cabinet on health grounds

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has stepped down from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet with immediate effect.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed directly to the President. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development on Monday, telling Channels Television that Badaru quit on health grounds.

Onanuga said President Tinubu had accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Badaru’s service. Sources within the presidency say Tinubu is expected to notify the Senate of a replacement before the week runs out.

Badaru, 63, served two terms as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before joining Tinubu’s administration as defence minister in August 2023.

His exit comes at a sensitive moment, following Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, with the President expected to unveil further details soon.