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“I didn’t resign over Trump’s pressure on Nigeria” – Ex-Defence Minister breaks silence

Former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has dismissed claims that he resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet because of an alleged planned strike involving the United States and the Nigerian government.

He said the viral report was created to mislead the public and damage his name.

Badaru Disowns Viral Publication

Badaru said he was shocked to see a publication circulating online suggesting he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

He immediately distanced himself from the report, stressing that it did not come from him or anyone authorised to speak on his behalf.

Badaru insisted that the motive behind the fake report was obviously to spark unnecessary tension and create conflict between him and President Tinubu.

To clear the air, he released a detailed statement addressing the claims.

Full Statement From Former Minister

“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.’

“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.

“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.

“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief makers.

“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.

“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.”

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