The former minister of defence, Mohammed Badaru, has dismissed a viral publication alleging that he resigned due to military operations, describing the claim as “entirely false”.
Badaru had earlier tendered his resignation in a letter dated December 1 to President Bola Tinubu, citing health concerns.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, he explained that an online post falsely claimed he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest”.
He said the allegation was fabricated to damage his reputation and create tension between him and the president.
“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 said.
“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 said his actual reasons for resigning had already been clearly communicated to the president and the 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,” he said.
“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief-makers.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president and commitment to the ruling party.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Following his resignation, Tinubu named Christopher Musa as the new defence minister.
Musa was later confirmed by the senate during his screening on Wednesday.