Defence Minister Signals Possible APC Defection, Declares Full Support for Tinubu

 

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has indicated that he may soon formally join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while reaffirming his total support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, where he spoke on his political future and loyalty to the current government.

He explained that although he has not officially registered with any political party, he is already leaning toward the APC and may complete the move in due course.

“I’ve not transited yet. I’m in transition,” he said when asked whether he now considers himself a politician. When further pressed on joining the APC, he responded, “Not yet, but I think I will be — definitely. The APC has given me the platform to present myself right from when I was CDS till date, so why not?”

The 58-year-old retired General served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 23, 2023, until his retirement on October 30, 2025. He was subsequently sworn in as Minister of Defence by President Tinubu on December 4, 2025, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Musa stressed that his political leaning is driven by his confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the President deserves broad-based national support to deliver on his mandate.

“Mr President needs total support. I will give him all my support — whatever I can do to ensure he succeeds in his call of duty, including moving forward to a second term. I will give him my very best,” he stated.

His comments come against the backdrop of sustained political realignments that have favoured the ruling APC since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. The trend intensified through 2025 and has continued into 2026, with several governors and top political figures defecting from opposition parties to the APC.

Analysts say the wave of defections is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with debates continuing over the implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.