EDITORIAL: Fufore LGA Chairmanship Crisis— What Does the Constitution Say?

By Tgnews Team

The death of Fufore Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman Hon. Shuaibu Babas on April 23, 2025, has plunged the region into a leadership crisis, with the delayed swearing-in of Vice Chairman Madam Peace sparking widespread controversy.

The delay, now stretching over a week, has raised serious constitutional questions and drawn sharp reactions from stakeholders, as the people of Fufore demand clarity and adherence to the rule of law.

The Tgnews team has delved into the constitutional framework governing such transitions, while also capturing the perspectives of prominent figures like Senator Ishaku Abbo and Hon. Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin, who have weighed in on the unfolding saga.

The vice chairman shall hold office of the chairman if the office of the chairman becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, or removal from office

According to the Adamawa State Local Government System Establishment and Administration Law No. 4 of 2000, the legal pathway for succession in the event of a chairman’s death is unambiguous. Section 22(1) of the law states, “The vice chairman shall hold office of the chairman if the office of the chairman becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, or removal from office.”

This provision, enacted under the administration of former Governor Boni Haruna, leaves no room for delay—yet Fufore LGA remains without a substantive chairman, prompting accusations of unconstitutional conduct.

Senator Ishaku Abbo, known for his advocacy of peaceful resolutions, has taken a proactive stance amid the social media uproar over the delay.

After consulting with top Adamawa State officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Deputy Governor, Abbo shared that he received assurances of Madam Peace’s imminent swearing-in.

The constitution is very clear. She is the chairman fair and square

“If we can solve problems quietly, why escalate it? Who benefits from war? No one, only Satan,” Abbo stated, emphasizing the need for dialogue over division.

He pointed to historical precedents of seamless transitions in Nigeria, such as Goodluck Jonathan’s swearing-in after President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death in 2010 and Boni Haruna’s ascension as Adamawa Governor following Atiku Abubakar’s appointment as Vice President in 1999. For Abbo, the delay in Fufore undermines both the constitution and Adamawa’s legacy of unity in diversity.

Adding a legal perspective, Hon. Ibrahim Sadiq Dasin, a former House of Representatives member and experienced lawyer from Fufore, has been vocal about the constitutional clarity of the matter. “The constitution is very clear. She is the chairman fair and square,” Dasin asserted, referencing the Adamawa State law.

However, his initial stance shifted temporarily after hearing allegations against Madam Peace, including claims that she failed to resign from her previous office before her election—a potential violation under Section 17 of the same law, which lists grounds for disqualification.

Constitutionally, there is no legal impediment to swearing in the vice chairman as the substantive chairman

Dasin later clarified that such allegations, even if true, cannot currently be addressed due to the absence of an election tribunal, which operates within a time-bound framework. “Constitutionally, there is no legal impediment to swearing in the vice chairman as the substantive chairman,” he emphasized, urging those with grievances to seek legal recourse after the swearing-in rather than obstructing the process with unproven claims.

The controversy has also highlighted Adamawa’s history of handling leadership transitions with respect for diversity. Abbo cited the example of Usman Landas, a Hausa/Fulani Muslim, who was sworn in as Chairman of Numan LGA following the death of Napwamwa George, a Bachama Christian, as a testament to the state’s commitment to unity.

The current delay in Fufore, however, risks tarnishing this legacy, with both Abbo and Dasin agreeing that the situation is a test of the state’s governance structures.

A Hausa/Fulani Muslim, who was sworn in as Chairman of Numan LGA following the death of Napwamwa George, a Bachama Christian, as a testament to the state’s commitment to unity

As the people of Fufore await resolution, the state government faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and uphold the constitution by swearing in Madam Peace.

The delay has not only left the LGA leaderless but also fueled tensions that could undermine the region’s stability.

Abbo, in a solemn note, prayed for the repose of Hon. Babas’ soul and comfort for his family, calling for “politics without bitterness.” The Tgnews team echoes this sentiment, urging Adamawa’s leaders to prioritize constitutional integrity and unity, ensuring that Fufore LGA is not left in limbo any longer.

The time for action is now.

What Does the Constitution Say?  Madam Peace Should Be Sworn In Without Delay.

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