In a dramatic and politically charged development, the Adamawa State Government has stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his prestigious traditional title, Waziri Adamawa, citing non-indigeneship as the basis for the decision—a move widely interpreted as an attempt to diminish his influence in his home state.
The title of Waziri Adamawa—the second most powerful position in the Adamawa Emirate hierarchy after the Lamido—has long symbolized Atiku’s stature within the traditional and political architecture of the state. His removal, alongside that of the Walin Adamawa, was made public in a circular dated June 20, 2025, issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The circular stated:
“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigenes of their respective Chiefdoms."
The directive specified that traditional council members of the Adamawa Emirate must hail from districts such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo—thereby disqualifying Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom.
Though couched in administrative language, the timing and substance of the action have sparked widespread outrage and intense speculation. Many view it as a thinly veiled political attack aimed at weakening Atiku’s base in the state and diminishing his traditional authority ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development marks a stunning turn in the relationship between Atiku and Governor Fintiri—former allies in the 2023 general elections under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Atiku contested the presidency and Fintiri secured a second term as governor. However, their alliance has reportedly soured, especially in the wake of Atiku’s recent outreach to key opposition figures, including Aishatu Binani, Labour Party's Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, in a bid to forge a new coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s APC.
Compounding tensions is a controversial bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly, which proposes granting the governor authority to depose "ailing emirs or kings" and appoint successors of his choosing. Critics warn that such legislation could give Governor Fintiri sweeping powers over traditional institutions, paving the way for political retribution disguised as reform.
While officials within the state government insist that the decision is within legal bounds and tied to recent administrative changes, observers argue that the removal of Atiku—arguably one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures—from a revered traditional title carries significant political implications.
For many, the move signals not just a personal rebuke, but a broader attempt to reshape the political landscape in Adamawa ahead of the high-stakes 2027 elections.
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