The Adamawa State Government has revoked the title of Waziri Adamawa from Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
The decision, officially attributed to his non-indigeneship of the Adamawa Emirate, is widely interpreted as an attempt to undermine his political stature in his native state.
The position of Waziri Adamawa ranks just below the Lamido, the paramount ruler of the Adamawa Emirate.
Atiku’s removal, which also affects the title of Walin Adamawa, was confirmed in a circular dated June 20, 2025.
The document was signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, operating under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the circular:
“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 indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms.
“E.g, all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council, must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state.”
This policy renders Atiku, who originates from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, ineligible for any title associated with the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The decision has triggered widespread speculation and backlash. Many observers view the timing and execution as a direct affront to Atiku by Governor Fintiri, once his ally in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Both leaders were prominent candidates during the 2023 elections, Atiku for President and Fintiri for Governor, under the same party banner.
Tensions between them have reportedly intensified, especially following Atiku’s engagement in opposition coalition talks.
He has been linked to strategic meetings with Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, figures aligned in efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Further fueling concerns is an executive bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The proposal would authorize the governor to:
“Depose any ailing emir or king”
and install a
“Chosen prince”
of his own selection.
Critics warn that such a measure could lead to unchecked political interference in traditional institutions, masking power grabs as administrative reforms.
Despite official claims that the revocation is in line with legal restructuring, the broader implications of removing one of Nigeria’s most influential political personalities from a royal title are being viewed by many as a seismic political statement.
