Adamawa Govt Revokes Atiku Abubakar’s Waziri Title
The Adamawa State Government has announced its decision to revoke the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa previously held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The government cited new indigeneship guidelines introduced as part of sweeping reforms to the state’s chieftaincy structure.
The revocation was communicated through a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs. The decision comes as part of a broader restructuring of traditional institutions under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, following the creation of new chiefdoms across the state.
The Waziri Adamawa title, historically regarded as the second most prominent position in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, now falls under revised eligibility requirements. According to the circular, only individuals from specific districts, namely Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo are now qualified to hold traditional positions within the emirate councils. Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area in the Ganye Chiefdom, is no longer considered eligible.
The directive applies not only to Atiku but to all council members and titleholders whose ancestral origins fall outside the newly specified districts. It is expected to impact a range of traditional leaders across the state.
While the government maintains that the policy is purely administrative and aimed at strengthening traditional governance structures, observers have pointed to possible political undertones. Analysts note that the revocation could reflect growing friction between Governor Fintiri and Atiku Abubakar, both of whom are influential figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku has in recent months been linked to ongoing political consultations with national figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani, conversations widely viewed as laying the groundwork for a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development also coincides with a contentious bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly, which proposes to grant the governor authority to depose traditional rulers deemed unfit and appoint their successors directly. Critics argue that the legislation could undermine the autonomy of traditional institutions and centralize too much power in the hands of the state executive.
The revocation of Atiku’s title marks a significant shift in the balance of influence within the Adamawa Emirate and may further deepen political divisions in the run-up to the next electoral cycle.
