In a dramatic political and traditional upheaval, the Adamawa State Government has officially stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his revered title, Waziri Adamawa, citing non-indigeneship.
The title, the second-highest in authority after the Lamido of Adamawa, has long symbolized Atiku’s stature in the state’s traditional hierarchy.
The move, announced in a circular dated June 20, 2025, also affects other title holders such as the Walin Adamawa. The directive was issued by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The circular reads:
“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.
“For example, all members of the Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigenes of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo Districts; while those of the Mubi Emirate must hail from Mubi North or Mubi South.”
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Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, no longer qualifies to hold a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council under this directive.
The decision has sparked widespread outrage and speculation, with many viewing it as a calculated political move to undermine Atiku’s influence. Observers point to the deteriorating relationship between Atiku and Governor Fintiri once allies during the 2023 general elections on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform as a key factor.
The tension escalated further following Atiku’s involvement in reported coalition talks with Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s APC in the 2027 elections.
Adding to the controversy is a proposed executive bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly that seeks to give the governor power to depose any ailing traditional ruler and appoint a “chosen prince” in their place. Critics warn that this could open the door to political interference in traditional institutions.
While state officials maintain that the move is within the law and part of a routine administrative restructuring, political analysts argue that stripping Atiku of such a prestigious traditional title is a symbolic blow with deep political undertones.
DAILYQUERY
