Badaru denies claim of resigning over US, military action in the north

Mohammed Badaru, former minister of defence, says a viral publication alleging he resigned over military operations is “entirely false”.

Badaru announced his resignation in a letter dated December 1 and sent to President Bola Tinubu, citing health reasons.

In a statement on Wednesday, Badaru said his attention was drawn to an online post claiming he resigned because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest”.

He said the claim was invented to smear his name, adding that the authors of the post intended to drive a wedge between him and Tinubu.

“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’,” he said.

“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.”

Badaru added that his genuine reasons for stepping down had already been formally conveyed to the president and made public.

“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,” he said.

“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief-makers.”

The former minister pledged continued loyalty to the president and support for the ruling party.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Following his exit, Tinubu appointed Christopher Musa as defence minister.

Musa was  confirmed by the senate after his on Wednesday.