Fresh details have emerged on why former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, abruptly resigned after two years in office.
Although Badaru announced on Monday that he was leaving due to health challenges, investigations by Saturday PUNCH indicate that a long-standing rift between him and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, ultimately pushed him out.
President Bola Tinubu has since replaced him with former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.).
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Badaru resigned because of “poor health.” However, insiders say the real issue was a protracted power struggle between both ministers that had been kept away from public view.
Badaru, appointed in August 2023 after serving two terms as Jigawa State governor, was chosen for his administrative experience and influence in the North-West. He focused on military modernisation, intelligence reform and counterterrorism initiatives. Matawalle was appointed the same day to support him.
But as banditry worsened and kidnappings of schoolchildren increased—leading President Tinubu to declare a national security emergency—pressure mounted on the ministry. Critics questioned Badaru’s performance and called for his removal.
Military sources reveal that Badaru and Matawalle had a strained relationship that affected the ministry’s internal coordination, including its media operations. One official described their public interactions as cordial but said their private relationship was “frosty.”
Another source alleged that Matawalle enjoyed stronger political backing from the Presidency and APC leaders, especially due to his influence in Zamfara State and the broader North-West ahead of the 2027 elections. Badaru, on the other hand, was seen as politically weaker.
Following his resignation on December 1, calls have grown for Matawalle to also step down. Critics, including activists and opposition figures, argue that he should be held accountable for the ongoing security crisis. Allegations—consistently denied by Matawalle—about links to bandit groups have resurfaced.
Despite these demands, insiders say Matawalle is likely to retain his position, especially after recent assignments such as coordinating the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Notably, he was absent on Friday when Gen. Musa formally assumed office.
Musa announces defence reforms
During his first briefing at the Ministry of Defence, Gen. Musa outlined plans to review all theatre commands and military operations nationwide. He emphasised improving inter-service cooperation, closing operational gaps and aligning field operations with national defence strategy.
He also made welfare a top priority, stressing that timely allowances, proper accommodation, medical care and support for families of fallen personnel are essential for morale.
Musa pledged zero tolerance for corruption, strengthened use of technology and intelligence, and closer collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies. He emphasised professionalism, unity and a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity.
He concluded by reaffirming that Nigerians urgently need peace, stability, and a return to normalcy, promising that the ministry under his leadership would deliver results.
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