Strong indications have emerged that former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), is now the top contender to become Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence, following the unexpected resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that General Musa’s discreet visit to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening — his first since leaving office — is directly tied to high-level consultations on filling the vacant defence portfolio.
According to top security insiders, the retired military chief arrived the Villa in full northern traditional attire and went straight into a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sparking intense speculation within Abuja’s power circles.
Although the Presidency has not publicly disclosed the agenda of the meeting, authoritative sources confirm that General Musa is “strongly being considered” as Badaru’s replacement.
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“His background and experience make him a natural fit at this critical period,” one source revealed.
General Musa was removed as CDS in October following reports of an alleged aborted coup attempt, although the Federal Government never issued an official explanation.
His appearance at the Villa, just hours after Badaru’s resignation on health grounds was announced, has further fueled reports that Tinubu may be preparing to hand him the defence portfolio.
President Tinubu accepted Badaru’s resignation and is expected to forward a replacement to the Senate within days, especially after declaring a national security emergency.