Christian Rights Agenda accuses state authorities of religious bias after Vice Chairman Peace Audu is sidelined despite constitutional provisions
The Christian Rights Agenda (CRA) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to prevent Mrs. Peace Audu, the Vice Chairman of Fufure Local Government Area in Adamawa State, from assuming office as the substantive chairman following the death of her Muslim counterpart, Mr. Shuaibu Babas, over a week ago.
According to the group, more than 24 hours after Mr. Babas’ death, Mrs. Audu had not been sworn in—a move CRA describes as a breach of the 1999 Constitution. In a statement issued Monday by its Secretary General, Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, the CRA asserted that Mrs. Audu, who was elected alongside Mr. Babas in 2024, is constitutionally entitled to step into the chairmanship role immediately.
The CRA accused the Adamawa State Government, led by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, of deliberately stalling the process under alleged pressure from powerful Muslim leaders in the state. Among those named is the newly installed Emir of Fufure, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, who, according to CRA, has vowed that a Christian cannot be allowed to head the local government.
“This is a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and part of an orchestrated attack on Christianity in Northern Nigeria,” the statement read. “It is worrisome that in a state with a Christian majority—about 70 percent—an elected Christian woman is being denied her rightful position purely based on her faith.”
CRA called on the Federal Government, especially the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to intervene and enforce constitutional compliance. The group also urged the Christian community in Adamawa State to rally around Mrs. Audu in solidarity.
“The only ‘sin’ she has committed is being a Christian. Most people do not choose the religion they are born into, and persecuting someone on that basis is a crime against humanity,” Reverend Dikwa stated.
The organization further warned of what it described as an “Islamisation agenda,” claiming a pattern of religious dominance in public office appointments. It also called on national Christian bodies—the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)—to be more proactive in defending Christians facing marginalization in the North.
