Fufore’s Female Vice Chairman Faces Pressure to Step Down After Chairman’s Death

Fufore’s  Female Vice Chairman Faces Pressure to Step Down After Chairman’s Death

A political storm is brewing in Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State, following the death of Chairman Shuaibu Babas on April 23, 2025. Over a week later, the vice chairman, Mrs. Peace Audu, has yet to be sworn in, sparking accusations of religious discrimination and gender bias.

Sources close to the council reveal that covert pressures are being mounted on Mrs. Audu to step aside in favor of a male Muslim replacement, despite constitutional provisions that position her as the rightful successor.

“It’s an open secret. They’re trying to force her resignation because she’s a Christian and a woman,” a council insider disclosed. “This is more about sidelining the Christian community than anything else.”

The Nigerian Constitution mandates an immediate and transparent succession process in the event of a leadership vacancy, but in Fufore, that process appears to have been stalled, raising serious constitutional concerns.

Comparisons are being drawn with past incidents in Adamawa State. For instance, when Numan Local Government Chairman Napwamwa George, a Christian, passed away, his Muslim deputy, Usman Landas, was quickly sworn in without controversy. Critics argue that the double standard being applied in Fufore suggests a deeper political and religious undertone.

Further complicating the matter, councillors had reportedly nominated a new chairman, but the Emir of Fufore, Sani Ribadu, is said to have rejected the nomination on constitutional grounds, leaving the council in an awkward and increasingly unstable position.

Local Christian leaders have condemned the delay and called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to uphold the law and ensure a smooth transition.

“Governor Fintiri must act now. His political career was built on respecting constitutional processes. It’s time for him to defend those same principles,” a concerned community leader stated.

Rev. Fr. Innocent Namda, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Coordinator for Fufore, also weighed in, urging the government to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.

“Our responsibility as leaders is to safeguard justice for both present and future generations. We must not allow irregularities to stain the process,” Namda told journalist.

As tension continues to mount, all eyes are now on Governor Fintiri. His next move could either reinforce public trust in the rule of law or deepen suspicions of political favoritism and religious marginalization in Adamawa State.

The people of Fufore are watching—and waiting.