Former Defence Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has refuted rumours claiming he stepped down from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet due to an alleged planned military operation involving the United States and Nigeria.
He described the trending report as false and deliberately crafted to misinform the public and smear his reputation.
Badaru Debunks Trending Report
Badaru said he was taken aback by an online publication alleging he resigned because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”
He quickly clarified that the statement did not originate from him or anyone authorised to speak for him.
According to him, the fabricated story was clearly intended to stir up unnecessary tension and create a rift between him and President Tinubu.
Full Statement From Badaru
To address the rumours, he released an official clarification, stating:
“My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false, and baseless publication circulating online, alleging that I stated I resigned as Minister of Defence because I ‘cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.’
“I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that this publication is entirely false, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from me or from any authorised representative acting on my behalf.
“The intent behind this fabrication is clear: to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and create needless distractions from the important work of governance.
“The true and valid reasons for my resignation were formally communicated to Mr President and subsequently made known to the public through conventional and social media platforms.
“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.
“I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Nigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security, and stability of our nation.
“My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact.
“I also reaffirm my full dedication to the continued success of our great party, the APC, at all levels particularly as we approach the 2027 general elections.”
Gen. Musa Now Heads Defence Ministry
After Badaru’s exit, the Senate approved former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Defence Minister, marking a shift in Nigeria’s security leadership.