Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons, according to an official statement from the Presidency.
In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar informed the President of his decision to step down to attend to his health.
“Alhaji Abubakar stated clearly in his letter that he was resigning on health grounds,” wrote Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the former minister’s service.
“The President thanks him for his services to the nation,” Onanuga stated.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu is expected to transmit a formal communication to the Senate later this week regarding the nomination of a successor.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes at a critical time, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency, with details on its full scope expected to be unveiled soon.
