In a dramatic twist with far-reaching political implications, the Adamawa State Government has revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa held by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in what appears to be a calculated political blow to the influential politician.
The Waziri title, regarded as the second highest traditional office in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, was withdrawn through an official circular dated June 20, 2025.
The document, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, cited non-indigeneship as the basis for Atiku’s disqualification.
The circular stated, “All Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigenes of their respective Chiefdoms…
Those from the Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigenes of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts.”
Atiku, who hails from Jada in the Ganye Chiefdom, was thus declared ineligible to retain his position in the Adamawa Emirate Council.
Though presented as a routine administrative restructuring following the creation of new chiefdoms in the state, political observers say the move is anything but ordinary.
It comes amid growing tensions between Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Atiku, once allies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections.
Sources within political circles suggest the withdrawal of Atiku’s title is part of a wider political purge, as the former VP is reportedly involved in high-level consultations to form a new opposition alliance alongside Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani — Governor Fintiri’s major rival.
Fueling speculations of an intensified political battle, the state government is also pushing a controversial bill before the Adamawa House of Assembly.
The proposed law seeks to grant the governor sweeping powers to depose “ailing emirs or kings” and appoint preferred successors.
Critics argue that the bill is an attempt to consolidate executive control over traditional institutions, further weakening perceived opposition forces.
While the government maintains its actions are legal and consistent with administrative reforms, the timing and symbolism of stripping Atiku of his traditional status have not gone unnoticed.
For many, it represents a bold attempt to politically emasculate one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
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