Former Defence Minister labels reports as “political mischief”
The former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has categorically denied reports suggesting his planned defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Badaru described the circulating rumors as baseless, unfounded, and a product of “political mischief” aimed at undermining his reputation. The former governor of Jigawa State reaffirmed that his loyalty to the ruling party remains “absolute and unwavering.”
The rumors surfaced following Badaru‘s resignation as Minister of Defence on December 1, 2025, which he cited was due to health reasons. Speculation on social media had suggested that he was holding consultations to join the opposition ADC amid a purported rift with his successor, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. However, Badaru insisted that he has neither authorized nor held any discussions regarding a change in political affiliation, reminding the public that he is a founding member of the APC.
Rivalry in Jigawa State fuels political speculation
The speculation regarding Badaru‘s exit appears to be rooted in the internal politics of Jigawa State, where tension has been reported between his loyalists and those of Governor Umar Namadi. Sources suggest that some of Badaru’s supporters feel marginalized in the current administration, leading to talk of a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite these simmering tensions, Badaru urged his supporters and party members to disregard the “misleading reports” and remain focused on the party’s goals.
The former minister’s swift response is seen as an attempt to prevent further disillusionment within his political base. By publicly doubling down on his commitment, he aims to stabilize the APC structure in Jigawa and pave the way for potential reconciliation efforts. He emphasized his desire to continue supporting the party in its efforts to “deepen democracy and deliver good governance” to Nigerians.
Legacy and current status within the party
As a two-term governor and a former cabinet member, Badaru remains a heavyweight within the APC hierarchy. His tenure as Minister of Defence was marked by significant efforts to promote local military production and regional security cooperation, though it was ultimately cut short by his medical resignation. His replacement by General Christopher Musa in December 2025 signaled a shift toward military leadership in the ministry, yet Badaru’s political influence continues to be a subject of interest.
| Political Profile of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar | Details |
| Governor of Jigawa State | 2015 – 2023 |
| Minister of Defence | August 2023 – December 2025 |
| Party Affiliation | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Reason for Cabinet Exit | Health Grounds |
The APC leadership has yet to issue an official statement on the rumored rift in Jigawa, but the former minister’s public denial has temporarily calmed the waters. For now, Badaru maintains that his political future remains tied to the party he helped establish. He has called on the public to seek information from credible sources rather than relying on unverified social media claims that seek to “smear” political careers.
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