Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has publicly dismissed recent social media speculation that he is preparing to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another political party. In a statement released on Tuesday, Badaru described the circulating claims as “false, unfounded and speculative,” urging the public and party members to reject misinformation and rumour‑mongering about his political intentions.
The clarification comes amid a flurry of online chatter suggesting that Badaru — a veteran politician and one of the APC’s founding members — was in talks to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Badaru emphatically denied those claims, stating that his commitment to the APC is “absolute and unwavering.” He made clear that he has no intention of defecting to any other party, emphasising that the allegations are products of political mischief rather than grounded fact.
In reaffirming his loyalty, Badaru also addressed the broader issue of unverified political reporting on social media. He warned against the spread of unsubstantiated information, particularly in the lead‑up to key political events and the general elections scheduled for 2027. By urging Nigerians to verify information with credible sources, Badaru’s statement sought to stem the impact of what he described as “deliberate attempts to smear reputations and sow discord.”
Badaru’s political career spans several decades. He previously served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023, and later as Minister of Defence from August 2023 until his resignation in December 2025, citing health reasons. His prominence within the APC — particularly in the northern political landscape — has made him a widely recognised figure in national politics.
The rumours linking Badaru to an impending defection likely gained traction against the backdrop of the APC’s fluid internal dynamics, especially at a time when party realignments and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections are intensifying. Nigerian political observers note that talk of defections, alliances and internal disputes has become commonplace as politicians and parties manoeuvre for advantage in an increasingly competitive environment. However, Badaru’s firm denial serves to quell speculation in his case and signals an intention to remain anchored with the APC.
Defection politics has been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s democracy. Prominent politicians across parties have, over time, shifted allegiances for various reasons — from ideological alignment and political opportunity to strategic interests or disagreements within party ranks. Such movements have often been accompanied by public statements either confirming a switch or, as in Badaru’s case, denying intentions to depart. Yet despite the frequency of such claims, unverified rumours remain a persistent challenge in the digital age, where social media platforms can amplify speculation with little immediate accountability.
Badaru’s statement reaffirming his loyalty to the APC also reflects a broader pattern among senior political figures who seek to stabilise their standing within party structures and reassure supporters of their long‑term commitments. In doing so, he aligns himself with the leadership of the ruling party as it seeks to maintain unity and coherence ahead of future elections. His call for restraint and caution against rumour‑mongering further underscores the high stakes involved in contemporary Nigerian political discourse.
For now, Badaru’s clarification appears to have defused the immediate wave of speculation regarding his political future, with official communiqués reinforcing that he remains firmly within the APC fold and committed to its agenda going forward.
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