By SUNTV Global Channel | Special Report
Former Vice President of Nigeria and perennial presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has for decades been the subject of a recurring and politically charged claim — that he is a “Cameroonian.” The allegation, frequently revived during election seasons, has sparked public debate, legal scrutiny, and national attention.
SUNTV Global Channel examines the origins of this claim, the historical context behind it, and the facts on record.
Origins of the “Cameroonian” Label
Atiku Abubakar was born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, present-day Adamawa State, Nigeria. However, at the time of his birth, the area was part of British-administered Northern Cameroons, a territory under British trusteeship.
This historical nuance is the foundation upon which critics label Atiku as Cameroonian.
The Northern Cameroons Referendum Explained
In 1961, the United Nations supervised a referendum allowing residents of the Northern Cameroons to choose between joining Nigeria or Cameroon.
The result was decisive:
- Northern Cameroons voted to join Nigeria
- Southern Cameroons voted to join Cameroon
Jada, Atiku’s hometown, became officially Nigerian following this referendum.
Legal implication: Anyone born in Northern Cameroons before 1961 automatically became a Nigerian citizen once the territory merged with Nigeria.
Citizenship Status Under Nigerian Law
Nigeria’s Constitution clearly recognizes citizenship by birth for individuals whose parents or grandparents belonged to indigenous communities within Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar’s father was a Fulani native of Adamawa, and his lineage has never been legally disputed in court.
Notably:
- Atiku served as Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007)
- He contested multiple presidential elections and passed INEC eligibility screenings
- No Nigerian court has ruled him a non-citizen
Why the Claim Persists in Nigerian Politics
Political analysts say the “Cameroonian” narrative resurfaces mainly during election periods as a strategy of political discrediting.
According to observers:
- It plays on public misunderstanding of colonial history
- It exploits Nigeria’s sensitivity to nationality and identity
- It has never been substantiated with legal evidence
Despite repeated clarifications, the label continues to trend on social media and political discourse, often amplified by opponents.
Atiku’s Response Over the Years
Atiku Abubakar has consistently dismissed the claim as:
“A tired political lie rooted in ignorance of history.”
He has repeatedly stated that:
- He is a Nigerian by birth
- His nationality is settled by law and history
- The issue has been weaponized for political gains
SUNTV Global Channel Verdict
Based on historical records, constitutional provisions, and legal precedents, Atiku Abubakar is Nigerian by birth.
The “Cameroonian” label is historical distortion, not a legal or factual reality.
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