“God Lifted Me When They Thought They Won” — Defence Minister Musa Shares Testimony at Bishop Abioye’s Church

n a moving testimony on Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), shared how a series of challenging events and what he described as “divine intervention” culminated in his recent appointment to the federal cabinet. Speaking during a service at the Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja, the minister reflected on a year defined by significant transitions, including his departure from military service and his subsequent call to national leadership.  

The minister, who attended the service with his wife, expressed his gratitude to the church’s founder, Bishop David Abioye, whom he described as a close ally. Reflecting on the hurdles he faced before his appointment, Musa told the congregation:  

“We give God the glory for what has happened this year. Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small mind they conspired and thought they had won. But as long as you have God as your pillar you will win.” 

Musa emphasized that adversity is often a precursor to personal and national progress. He encouraged worshippers to view challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for refinement, stating: 
“If you are never challenged you can never improve in life. As Nigerians, we know we are strong but we are stronger together with God Almighty. Nigerians are winners. We must continue to pray for our leaders and our country.”

In addition to his spiritual reflections, the Defence Minister addressed the importance of national unity and a positive public discourse. He cautioned against persistent criticism of the nation, warning that “if you continue to talk down on your country you don’t mean well.” He further urged the Christian community to lead by example, stressing that true impact is achieved only when individuals “practise what they profess.”  

The minister’s appointment on December 2, 2025, followed the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds. General Musa, who had recently retired as the Chief of Defence Staff in October 2025, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to lead the ministry and oversee the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.