The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has hinted that he may soon formally align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing that he is presently navigating a political transition.
Musa, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
When asked whether he now regards himself as a politician, the defence minister responded, “I’ve not transitioned yet. I’m in transition.”
Pressed further on whether he is already a card-carrying member of the ruling APC, Musa said, “Not yet, but I think I’ll 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 minister expressed strong loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stating that the President deserves comprehensive support and affirming his willingness to contribute to the success of the current administration.
“Mr President needs all support, totally. I’ll give him all my support, whatever I can do to make sure that he succeeds in his call of duty, including moving forward to the second term. I think I’d give him my very best,” he said.
General Musa served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 23, 2023, until his retirement on October 30, 2025. He was later sworn in as Minister of Defence on December 4, 2025.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a sustained wave of political realignments favouring the APC since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, a movement that gained considerable momentum throughout 2025 and has continued into 2026.
A number of serving governors have defected from opposition parties to the ruling party in recent months. These include Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as well as Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, all of whom left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Most recently, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas formally dumped the PDP for the APC, bringing the total number of governors under the ruling party’s control to 29.
Although many of the defections have been explained as a consequence of “internal crises” within opposition parties, the growing trend has intensified political discourse over alignments and power calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What you should know
General Christopher Musa’s comments suggest a potential shift from military leadership into active partisan politics, reinforcing the APC’s growing influence under President Tinubu.
His open declaration of support for the President and possible party membership reflects a broader pattern of defections that has reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, these movements are fueling debate about political balance, opposition strength, and the consolidation of power within the ruling party.
