The Acting Chairman of Shira Local Government Area in Bauchi State, Alhaji Wali Adamu, has passed away just days before a scheduled by-election to elect a new council leadership.
Adamu died on Sunday, following a brief illness. He was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Azare, located in Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
A Short Tenure Marked by Sudden Change
Alhaji Wali Adamu was appointed as Acting Chairman on March 3, 2025, after the Shira Legislative Council impeached the former chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli, and his deputy, Hon. Usman Adamu, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office.
Before his elevation to the chairmanship, Wali served as the Councillor representing Tumfafi Ward, where he also held the position of Leader of the Council.
Bauchi Governor, State Mourn Loss
News of his passing was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor, Mukhtar Gidado.
Governor Bala Mohammed, in his condolence message, described the late acting chairman as a dedicated public servant, whose contributions to the development of Shira LGA and the wider state would not be forgotten.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State, I extend my deepest condolences to the immediate family of Alhaji Wali Adamu, the Katagum Emirate Council, and all citizens of the state over this great loss,” the statement read.
The state government also called on well-wishers to keep Wali’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this period of mourning.
The governor prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased, asking that he be granted Jannatul Firdaus, and that his family be given the strength to bear the loss.
By-election Set for May 24
Alhaji Wali’s death comes just 13 days before the by-election scheduled to fill the chairman and deputy chairman positions in Shira Local Government.
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), led by its Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Makama, recently confirmed that preparations were complete for the May 24, 2025, vote.
BASIEC had earlier conducted local government elections across the state in August 2024, during which elected chairmen and their deputies emerged across all 20 LGAs.