Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons.
In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former minister explained that he was stepping down to attend to pressing health challenges.
Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, noting that President Tinubu has accepted Badaru’s resignation.
He added that the President expressed appreciation for the former minister’s service to the nation.
According to the statement, President Tinubu is expected to forward the name of Badaru’s replacement to the Senate later this week.
Badaru, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023 before his appointment as Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes at a time the Federal Government has declared a national security emergency amid rising insecurity across several parts of the country.
The development also follows a closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), earlier on Monday. Sources suggest the meeting may be part of ongoing consultations ahead of a major security restructuring expected in the coming days.