By Ahmed Ilallah
The recent exit of Muhammad Badaru Abubakar as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, and his replacement by the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has generated intense debate across the political space. Yet beyond the speculation, one fact remains indisputable: Badaru Abubakar deserves commendation from Nigerians for his service and loyalty to the nation during one of its most challenging security periods.
Badaru, a two-term Governor of Jigawa State, has long been a central figure in the political evolution that gave rise to both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the eventual presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Long before the formation of the APC, he was deeply aligned with Tinubu’s political vision during the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) era. In 2011, he contested for governor under the ACN platform, at a time when Malam Nuhu Ribadu was the party’s presidential candidate. Those early years cemented his political partnership and alignment with Tinubu.
His loyalty continued through the merger that produced the APC, and his influence contributed significantly to the party’s consolidation in the North-West. Twice elected Governor of Jigawa State, Badaru delivered strong electoral results for the party and, later, for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid. Even during the APC presidential primaries, he famously stepped down for Tinubu in a gesture that further demonstrated his commitment to the party’s collective success.
Appointed Minister of Defence at a time when Nigeria’s security situation was deeply fraught, Badaru stepped into a role defined by urgency and national anxiety. The administration inherited a country battling insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. Under his watch, security operations recorded notable improvements: several notorious bandit commanders were eliminated, Boko Haram cells were disrupted, and many top insurgent leaders were neutralised. While the challenges remain significant, it is fair to acknowledge that progress, however modest, was made.
In recent weeks, however, Nigeria’s security discourse has become heavily politicized. Controversial allegations from segments of the U.S. government regarding so-called “Christian genocide” contributed to renewed pressure on the administration. President Tinubu responded with sweeping security reforms, including a declaration of a national security emergency and changes in top military leadership. Within this broader restructuring came Badaru’s exit.
Speculation naturally followed. Some argue that he was quietly asked to step aside to make room for General Christopher Musa as part of the President’s strategic security overhaul. The Presidency, meanwhile, maintains that Badaru voluntarily resigned on health grounds.
Whichever version one believes, whether he chose to resign or was asked to do so, the essential truth remains: Badaru Abubakar served with dedication. His contributions to the APC and to Nigeria’s security apparatus were significant and cannot be dismissed. He has earned, not condemnation or rumor-mongering, but the gratitude of Nigerians.
For his loyalty, his political sacrifices, and his efforts to strengthen national security, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar deserves nothing less than a sincere eulogy for patriotic and selfless service
