Presidency weighs Ribadu, Chris Musa as new Defence Minister

By Samuel Ogunsona

President Bola Tinubu is set to appoint a new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down due to health reasons.

Irohinoodua was informed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is weighing the option of replacing Abubakar with either the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu or the former Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher

Abubakar’s resignation took immediate effect, and Tinubu has accepted it, thanking him for his service.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president received a letter dated December 1, Abubakar said he was “quitting on health grounds.”

Onanuga said President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.

Sources close to the presidency, informed Irohinodua that the new Minister of Defense might be either Nuru Ribadu or the former CDS, Musa.

“One of them might be named new Defence Minister to replace Abubakar,” the source said

Ribadu is a seasoned politician and former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He’s Nigeria’s National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu, a barrister and retired police officer with notable past roles, including Chairman of the Petroleum Special Revenue Task Force from 2012 to 2014.

His experience and expertise in security matters make him a strong contender for the position.

Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR was born 25 December 1967.

He served as the 18th chief of defence staff of Nigeria. He was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu on 19 June 2023 and served until 30 October 2025. He is said to have a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian security architecture and was responsible for many successful operations against insurgents in the North.

“President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week,” the statement added, indicating that the process to replace the minister is already underway.

Abubakar’s exit comes at a critical time for the administration, which is grappling with rising insecurity.