Pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, as a federal lawmaker and a youth organization have declared him unfit to address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. The calls follow a series of deadly attacks and allegations of mismanagement within the ministry.
The Afenifere Youth Vanguard for Peace in Nigeria (AYPN) on Sunday endorsed a scathing critique by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, a House of Representatives member from Plateau State, who last week condemned Badaru’s leadership on the House floor. Gagdi highlighted recent terrorist attacks in Borno State, where insurgents reportedly overran military bases, seizing 40 tanks and other equipment, raising concerns about the nation’s defence capabilities.
AYPN President Olatunji Fadare described Gagdi’s remarks as “a courageous vote of no confidence,” accusing Badaru of lacking the competence to secure the country. “The Defence Ministry has collapsed under Badaru’s watch. It’s not a reward for political loyalty; it’s the backbone of Nigeria’s safety,” Fadare said.
The group alleged that Badaru has prioritized personal business interests and political ambitions over national security, labeling him “a contractor in a camouflage ministry.” They claimed defence contracts are awarded based on political affiliations, contributing to equipment shortages and intelligence failures. “Badaru is too old, out-of-touch, and distracted by his alleged 2027 presidential ambition to lead a wartime ministry,” Fadare added.
AYPN further accused the minister of ethnic bias in recruitment, procurement, and strategic decisions, alleging these favor his political allies. They criticized Badaru’s dismissal of warnings from Borno State’s governor, as cited by Gagdi, with Fadare stating, “When alarms from the ground are met with propaganda, the ministry has lost its moral compass.”
The group urged President Tinubu to overhaul the defence architecture, starting with Badaru’s removal. “This is about survival, not politics. The President must prioritize national interest over personal loyalty,” the statement read. AYPN warned that inaction could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to protect citizens.
