In a dramatic shake-up of Nigeria’s defence leadership, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa is set to succeed Mohammed Badaru Abubakar as the country’s Defence Minister, according to top government sources.
On Monday evening, Musa visited Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja his first public engagement with the president since his retirement on October 24, 2025. Sources at the meeting revealed that Tinubu informed Musa he would succeed Badaru as Defence Minister.
Badaru, 63, tendered his resignation in a letter dated December 1, citing health reasons. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the resignation was accepted by the president. He added that Tinubu would likely submit Musa’s name to the Senate for confirmation later this week.
A former two-term governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023), Badaru was appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His departure coincides with the president’s recent declaration of a national security emergency and comes amid heightened calls for renewed focus on internal security operations.
Musa’s expected appointment marks a return to civilian politics for the retired general, whose tenure as CDS began in June 2023 and ended with his retirement in late October 2025. Observers suggest the move underscores the administration’s resolve to bring military experience and strategic depth to the Ministry at a time of mounting security challenges.
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With the formal notification to the Senate anticipated soon, the country awaits official confirmation of General Musa’s appointment and the next steps in Nigeria’s defence leadership realignment.