Former Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has blasted reports claiming he resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet because he allegedly opposed cooperation between Nigeria and the Donald Trump administration over accusations of genocide against Christians.
In a statement titled Rejoinder: Categorical Denial Of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation As Minister of Defence, Badaru said the viral claims were nothing but a wicked fabrication.
“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 dismissed the allegation as a desperate attempt to smear his name and spark unnecessary tension.
“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 stressed that his genuine reasons for stepping down had already been formally stated 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.
“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.
“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.”
