Former Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has issued a strong rebuttal to online reports suggesting his resignation from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet was motivated by fears of a United States military strike on Nigeria.
Categorical Denial of Malicious Publication
In a personal electronic statement released on December 4, 2025, Badaru described the circulating reports as completely false. The statement, titled “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation as Minister of Defence”, was personally signed by the former minister.
He specifically denied allegations that he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.” Badaru stated unequivocally that this narrative is baseless, mischievous, and did not originate from him or any authorised representative.
Dismissing Fabricated Motives
Badaru also addressed other claims tied to his resignation. He firmly denied that his exit was due to:
- An inability to cooperate with the Nigerian government and the administration of US President Donald Trump.
- A refusal to address allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
He labelled these as fabrications intended to tarnish his reputation and sow discord between him and President Tinubu. Badaru emphasised that such stories create needless distractions from the serious business of governance.
Reaffirmation of Loyalty and True Reasons
The former minister stressed that the authentic reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to President Tinubu and shared with the public through official channels. “Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers,” he declared.
Concluding his statement, Badaru reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He pledged his continued commitment to the peace, security, and stability of Nigeria.
