Cabinet Shake-Up: More Ministers To Go As Tinubu Told To Sack Matawalle

Pressure is increasing on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who served as Minister of Defence, according to Politics Nigeria.

Reports indicate that the United States has requested the removal of both officials as a condition for their cooperation with Nigeria on counter-terrorism and anti-banditry initiatives.

A senior government official confirmed that the US emphasized the need for a change in leadership before any collaborative efforts could begin. Badaru Abubakar resigned on Monday, citing health reasons, and the presidency is anticipated to announce a new nominee to the Senate later this week.

Additionally, Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the same day.

This meeting marked Musa’s first discussion with the president since his retirement on October 24, 2025. Sources have reported that Tinubu indicated his intention to appoint Musa as the new Minister of Defence, succeeding Badaru Abubakar.

Badaru Abubakar, aged 63, previously served as the governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as minister on August 21, 2023.