By Stephen | July 11, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – In a surprising political revelation, Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima has credited former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Bello Adoke for saving him from being illegally removed as Governor of Borno State during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Speaking at the public presentation of Adoke’s book "Burden of Service" in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima disclosed that political forces within the Jonathan government had conspired to oust him from office during his tenure as governor. However, Adoke, who served as AGF from 2010 to 2015, reportedly stood firm against the plan, insisting it was unconstitutional.
“Some powerful forces were determined to get me out of office by any means,” Shettima said. “But Adoke, despite being part of that administration, upheld the rule of law. He told them outright, ‘this is unconstitutional.’ That decision may have changed the course of Borno's political history.”
The former AGF, who has long been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics, was visibly moved by the Vice-President’s public commendation. He responded by reaffirming his commitment to upholding justice during his time in office—even when it conflicted with political interests.
“Leadership is about service and principle,” Adoke remarked. “I chose the constitution over convenience, and I’m glad to see the ripple effects of that decision today.”
Political analysts say the revelation shines a light on the intense power struggles and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that characterized Nigerian politics in the early 2010s. It also casts a new spotlight on Adoke’s complex legacy—long criticized for his role in controversial legal decisions, but now being credited for preventing a potentially unlawful change in leadership.
Shettima’s comments have sparked fresh conversations about political integrity and the importance of institutions that protect democracy from executive overreach.
“This underscores the need for constitutional fidelity, especially among top law officers,” said Dr. Tolu Ogundele, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja. “Without people like Adoke in that moment, Nigeria might have witnessed a dangerous precedent.”
As the country prepares for future elections and continues to battle institutional instability, both Shettima and Adoke’s exchange serves as a rare reminder of principled decision-making in Nigerian governance.