Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu directed Mohammed Badaru Abubakar to resign as Nigeria’s Defence Minister.
Abubakar had resigned on Monday, officially citing health reasons. However, Sowore, in a post on Facebook, claimed the move was politically motivated.
He said the resignation was intended to clear the way for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to assume the role.
Sowore stated, “Abubakar was asked by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step aside to make room for former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to be appointed Defence Minister.”
He also alleged that the government faces external pressure regarding security leadership.
According to Sowore, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is under scrutiny.
“There are strong indications that US President Donald Trump’s military is pressing for the removal of the equally ineffective and utterly useless Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing serious concerns over intelligence sharing and collaboration,” Sowore added.
This allegation comes as the new Defence Minister, General Musa, awaits confirmation from the Senate.
Analysts say security challenges across Nigeria’s military landscape make leadership changes highly sensitive.