Is Tinubu shielding a failing minister? Nigerians demand Badaru’s sack amid mounting insecurity

DDM News

Calls are growing louder for President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

The demand follows escalating insecurity and perceived leadership failures in Nigeria’s defence sector.

On Sunday, the Afenifere Youth Vanguard for Peace in Nigeria (AYPN) joined the chorus of public outcry.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the group aligned with strong criticisms from Hon. Yusuf Gagdi of Plateau State.

Gagdi, during a House of Representatives session, condemned Badaru’s performance as deeply unsatisfactory and dangerous to national security.

He pointed to alarming events in Borno State where insurgents overran military bases and captured vital military equipment.

Dozens of tanks and platforms reportedly fell into insurgent hands, exposing glaring gaps in Nigeria’s defence operations.

AYPN President Olatunji Fadare described the situation as a complete collapse of leadership at the defence ministry.

He warned that the ministry had abandoned its core mandate and failed to protect Nigerians effectively.

Fadare stressed that the defence portfolio is not a reward for political loyalty but a national security imperative.

“There’s no excuse for this failure,” he said, calling the defence leadership under Badaru both broken and directionless.

The group accused Badaru of pursuing personal ambitions instead of focusing on the urgent needs of the military.

They alleged that defence contracts are being awarded based on political ties rather than operational necessity.

According to Fadare, this has contributed to equipment shortages and major setbacks in military operations.P

He declared Badaru unfit to serve during a period of heightened national insecurity and instability.

“Badaru is disconnected, distracted, and dangerously unprepared for the responsibility he carries,” Fadare stated.

The AYPN further accused the minister of ethnic bias in appointments and procurement decisions within the ministry.

They claimed the ministry is being used to build a political base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Such practices, they warned, are undermining national cohesion and weakening frontline military effectiveness.

The group said this political interference is fueling discontent within the armed forces and damaging morale.

They also highlighted Hon. Gagdi’s claims that intelligence warnings from the Borno State governor were ignored.

According to Fadare, this signals a system that has become deaf to frontline intelligence and local leadership.

“When Abuja responds with silence, it means the system is drifting away from its duty,” he added.

The AYPN called on President Tinubu to act quickly and replace the current defence leadership.

They insisted that the survival of Nigeria should be prioritized over political considerations and personal alliances.

“This is about protecting the people, not preserving friendships,” the group emphasized strongly.

Fadare urged Tinubu to demonstrate firm leadership by removing Badaru immediately from his ministerial post.

He warned that failure to act may lead to further erosion of public trust in government security measures.

The group stressed that the stakes are too high to tolerate continued incompetence at the helm of defence.

They concluded that Nigerians deserve leaders who are focused, capable, and ready to act during crises.

As insecurity continues to spread across the country, public anger is boiling over.

Nigerians are no longer silent about perceived mismanagement within key government sectors.

The nation watches closely as pressure mounts on President Tinubu to reshuffle his defence team.

Whether or not he responds could shape the public’s trust in his administration going forward.

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