Breaking: President Tinubu accepts defence minister Badaru’s resignation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down with immediate effect, citing health reasons.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Badaru submitted his resignation in a letter dated 1 December addressed to the President.

The statement added that President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the former minister’s service to the nation while acknowledging his decision to step down.

The president is expected to forward a nomination for Badaru’s successor to the Senate later this week as consultations continue.

Badaru, 63, served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before he was appointed Minister of Defence on 21 August 2023.

His departure comes at a time when President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency, with further details of the policy expected to be announced soon.