Adamawa Government Strips Atiku Abubakar Of Waziri Title Over Indigeneship Dispute

In a dramatic political and traditional shake-up, the Adamawa State Government has officially stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his prestigious traditional title, Waziri Adamawa, citing non-indigeneship. The move is widely perceived as an attempt to weaken Atiku’s political clout in his home state.

The Waziri Adamawa is the second most powerful traditional title after the Lamido of Adamawa.

The revocation of the title—along with that of the Walin Adamawa—was revealed in a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“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 circular stated.

It further explained that members of the Adamawa Emirate Council must hail from districts such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo, while members of other emirate councils must also be indigenes of the areas they serve.

This effectively disqualifies Atiku, who is from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, from holding any title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.

The timing of the directive has fueled speculation, with many interpreting it as a targeted political blow by Governor Fintiri—Atiku’s former ally during the 2023 general elections. Both men contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Atiku vying for the presidency and Fintiri for a second term as governor.

Their relationship has reportedly soured, especially amid reports that Atiku has recently held talks with Fintiri’s political rival, Aishatu Binani, as well as Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, on forming a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tensions are further heightened by a controversial executive bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly, which seeks to empower the governor to depose any ailing emir or king and appoint a “chosen prince” in their place. Critics warn that the bill could give the governor sweeping control over traditional institutions and pave the way for politically motivated purges.

While government officials insist the decision is in line with the law and recent administrative changes, observers say the symbolic removal of one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures from a revered traditional post sends a powerful and unmistakable message.