Political pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss another Minister
Political pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss another Minister
This follows the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru. Reports from SaharaReporters indicate that the U.S. government has requested both Badaru and Matawalle’s removal as a prerequisite for collaboration against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
A senior government source revealed that the U.S. insisted on these changes for any potential security cooperation. They stated, “There is pressure on Tinubu to remove Matawalle as well. We were told the U.S. wants both Badaru and Matawalle replaced before proceeding with any cooperation.”
On Monday evening, former Defence Chief Christopher Musa met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. This marked Musa’s first public engagement since retiring from military service on October 24, 2025. Sources within the presidency informed SaharaReporters that President Tinubu indicated Musa would take over the defence portfolio, stating, “You will succeed Badaru as Defence Minister.”
Mohammed Badaru submitted his resignation to President Tinubu on December 1, 2025, citing health reasons. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed Badaru’s resignation in an official statement released Monday night.
The statement noted, “President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.” Onanuga also mentioned that Badaru’s successor will be announced soon and sent to the Senate for confirmation by the end of the week.
