Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has accepted a significant role within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Secretary I on the party's Presidential Campaign Council for the upcoming 2027 elections. This appointment comes as the country gears up for a crucial electoral period, and Musa has expressed his commitment to fulfilling this political responsibility without compromising his duties to national security.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, Musa described his new role as a call to higher service, emphasizing the trust placed in him by President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership. He pledged to approach the campaign with diligence and focus, aiming to secure victory for the ruling party at the polls.

Musa urged APC members and all Nigerians to remain united behind the Tinubu administration as the nation prepares for the elections. He expressed confidence in the party's ability to succeed, calling on citizens to rally around the government during this pivotal time.

Despite his new political assignment, General Musa reassured the public that his primary constitutional duty to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity would remain his top priority. He stated that all ongoing military operations, strategic reforms, and inter-agency collaborations within the defence sector would continue unabated. "National security remains our highest imperative," he affirmed, highlighting the need for increased vigour in ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry, particularly in the northeast and northwest regions of the country.

This dual role for the Defence Minister comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant security challenges, making his assurances particularly relevant. Musa's commitment to maintaining focus on national security while engaging in political activities aims to alleviate concerns regarding the potential politicisation of the defence portfolio as the elections approach.

In related news, the Defence Headquarters of Nigeria recently faced a security breach when its official Twitter account was hacked. The incident, which occurred on August 15, drew attention from former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, who called for a swift response from the Defence Intelligence Agency. This event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the nation's security apparatus in both digital and physical realms as it navigates the complexities of governance and electoral politics.