There are behind-the-scenes efforts to compel Mrs. Audu to step down voluntarily from her position as vice chairman, making way for a male Muslim successor.
A power vacuum in Fufore Local Government Council following the sudden death of its chairman, Shuaibu Babas, has triggered outrage among local Christian communities, who accuse the state government of stalling the rightful succession of the vice chairman, Mrs. Peace Audu.
Since Babas’ passing on April 23, 2025, more than a week has passed without the constitutionally required power transition taking place. Allegations have emerged suggesting that Mrs. Audu’s gender and Christian faith are major factors contributing to the delay in her swearing-in.
According to sources familiar with the situation, there are behind-the-scenes efforts to compel Mrs. Audu to step down voluntarily from her position as vice chairman, making way for a male Muslim successor.
“It’s an open secret that some factions are pressuring her to resign. It’s about religion and gender,” said one anonymous source within the council. “This is not just about leadership; it’s about silencing the Christian community.”
The ongoing controversy has raised serious constitutional concerns, with critics pointing out that the Nigerian constitution mandates the swift and transparent filling of any leadership vacuum.
According to them, the Nigerian constitution does not condone power vacuums, yet in Fufore, the process has stalled, and citizens are growing increasingly frustrated.
The situation takes on an even more serious dimension when examined against the backdrop of past leadership transitions in Adamawa State.
When former Numan Local Government Chairman Napwamwa George, a Christian, died, Usman Landas, a Muslim, was immediately sworn in to fill the position. It appears, however, that a different standard is being applied in Fufore, as local councillors have reportedly nominated a new chairman, but the swearing-in has yet to take place.
“The Emir of Fufore, Sani Ribadu, reportedly turned down the councillors’ nomination, citing constitutional limitations,” said a source familiar with the council’s proceedings.
“It was an awkward moment for the councillors. The situation is beyond a constitutional issue now; it’s a political one.”
Local leaders, particularly within the Christian community, have strongly criticised the Adamawa State government under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, urging him to act decisively and uphold the principles of the Nigerian Constitution.
“Governor Fintiri must step in immediately and do the right thing,” said an outspoken community leader. “His own political rise was based on respect for the constitution, and now, it’s his turn to show that same respect for the people of Fufore.”
In an interview with SaharaReporters, Rev. Fr. Innocent Namda, the CAN Coordinator for Fufore Local Government Area, raised concerns about what seems to be a potential constitutional violation. He called on Governor Fintiri to ensure a smooth and constitutional transition.
“As leaders, our role is to ensure the right course of action is taken—not only for today but for the future. We must do what is right for everyone, and avoid any irregularities,” Namda emphasised.
As Fufore’s leadership crisis deepens, questions of political manipulation, gender bias, and religious intolerance continue to swirl. The clock is ticking, and local citizens are growing more vocal in their calls for action.
In the coming days, Governor Fintiri will be the focus of attention as he decides whether to uphold the sanctity of the constitution or bow to political pressures that threaten to destabilise local governance and alienate a significant portion of his constituency.
Leave a Reply