The Adamawa State Government has officially revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa previously held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing new indigeneship requirements for leadership positions within the emirate council system.
The revocation was contained in a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs.
The move comes amid a sweeping reorganization of traditional institutions across the state, following the establishment of new chiefdoms under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration.
Under the revised policy, only individuals from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts are eligible to hold emirate titles or serve on traditional councils. Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area—part of the Ganye Chiefdom—is no longer qualified to retain the title.
Read Also: Benue cannot bleed in silence, says Atiku, calls for urgent action
The Waziri Adamawa is traditionally regarded as the second most influential figure in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido.
With the new guidelines, the title is now subject to stricter territorial criteria affecting not just Atiku, but other titleholders from outside the designated districts.
While the government has presented the changes as an administrative reform, the timing and scope of the policy have sparked political speculation.
Analysts point to strained relations between Governor Fintiri and Atiku, both of whom are influential figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but have reportedly drifted apart since the 2023 elections.
Atiku has been linked to ongoing high-level political consultations involving key national figures like Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani—moves seen as laying the groundwork for a possible new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adding to the tension is a proposed bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly that would empower the governor to remove traditional rulers and appoint their replacements.
