There is rising political pressure on President Bola Tinubu to remove Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru.
According to SaharaReporters, the United States government had requested the removal of both Badaru and Matawalle as a condition for any collaboration with Nigeria on combating terrorism and banditry.
A top government source, speaking to the platform, said hopes of strengthened security cooperation may not deliver any surprise if a defence shake-up is not completed.
The source said, “There is pressure on Tinubu to remove Matawalle as well.
“We were told the US insisted that Badaru and Matawalle be replaced before any cooperation with Nigeria could proceed.”
On Monday evening, former Defence Chief, Christopher Musa, met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting marked Musa’s first public engagement with the Presidency since his retirement from military service on October 24, 2025.
Multiple presidency insiders told SaharaReporters that the President informed Musa during the private session that he would step into the defence portfolio.
“You will succeed Badaru as Defence Minister,” Musa was told, according to sources.
In a December 1, 2025, letter addressed to President Tinubu, Badaru said he was quitting office on health grounds.
The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the resignation in an official statement released Monday night.
“President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation,” the statement read.
Onanuga also disclosed that the name of Badaru’s successor will soon be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, with formal communication expected before the week closes.
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