Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been stripped of his traditional title of Waziri Adamawa by the Adamawa State Government, following a new indigeneship policy that restricts leadership roles in emirate councils to specific local government areas.
The announcement came in a government circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs. The directive is part of ongoing reforms in the traditional leadership system, introduced after Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri created new chiefdoms across the state.
The Waziri Adamawa title, traditionally seen as the second most important position in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, now falls under strict new rules. Only individuals from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts are considered eligible for such titles. Atiku, being from Jada in Ganye Chiefdom, no longer qualifies.
The government says the new rule applies to all traditional titleholders and council members in emirate structures across Adamawa. Several other individuals may also lose their positions as a result.
Although the state insists the move is purely administrative, many see political motives. Atiku and Governor Fintiri, both members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have grown apart politically since the 2023 elections. Atiku has recently been involved in talks with national political figures like Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani—sparking rumours of a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adding to the controversy, a bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly seeks to give the governor power to remove traditional rulers and appoint replacements. Critics warn this could weaken traditional institutions and concentrate too much power in the hands of the governor.
The revocation of Atiku’s title has stirred reactions across the state, with political observers calling it a sign of deepening divisions within the PDP and a possible battle line for 2027.
