A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Chief Muritala Audu, has endorsed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), for appointment as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.
Audu’s call followed the resignation of the immediate past Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, which has created a vacuum in the nation’s defence leadership.
Audu in a statement on Tuesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the immediate past chief of defence staff as replacement.
He said Gen. Musa’s strategic depth, experience and proven results placed him far ahead of others in the quest to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Gen. Musa, who served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 19, 2023 to Oct. 30, 2025, was praised for stabilising major conflict zones during his tenure,” the Aare said.
Audu said the retired general achieved a breakthrough with Operation Hadin Kai, which led to a drastic reduction in insurgent attacks and the rescue of more than 1,500 hostages.
He also highlighted Musa’s push for technology-driven defence reforms, including drone-based surveillance, cyber-defence upgrades and intelligence modernisation — initiatives, he said positioned Nigeria to tackle emerging threats.
He explained the Musa’s emphasis on civil-military cooperation produced 50 schools, 30 healthcare centres and vocational training for over 5,000 youths in conflict-affected communities, reflecting a holistic approach to national security.
He said Musa’s leadership had earned global recognition, citing awards such as the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering and the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award.
He added that honours including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the UNAMSIL Medal further cemented Musa’s legacy in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Audu said appointing Gen. Musa as minister of defence would ensure continuity of reforms at a time Nigeria urgently required stability in its security framework.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise competence, patriotism and proven service as it considered a new defence minister.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu is set to name a new minister of defence this week following the sudden resignation of Abubakar, who quits the cabinet on health grounds.
