Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted sharply to the recent changes in Nigeria’s defence leadership. His comments follow reports that Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was directed to step aside so that former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, could take over the ministry.
Sowore dismissed the move as a simple leadership adjustment, insisting instead that it signals a deeper collapse within Nigeria’s security structure. According to him, Nigerians should not assume that replacing officials will automatically improve the security situation, as the real problem lies in years of failed leadership at the top levels of defence.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page on December 1, 2025, Sowore alleged that Badaru did not willingly resign but was asked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leave the position. He also claimed that the United States, under President Donald Trump, is pushing for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over concerns relating to intelligence cooperation. Sowore added that Matawalle has long faced accusations of maintaining ties with bandit groups in Zamfara.
The activist warned that Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity without sincere, capable, and trusted defence leaders. He said the alleged forced exit of Badaru and the reported foreign pressure on Matawalle highlight a major credibility problem within the Ministry of Defence. Sowore urged citizens to monitor developments closely, noting that decisions made in the defence sector directly affect national safety.
Source: Omoyele Sowore via his official Facebook page.
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