Yola, Nigeria – In a major development with far-reaching political and traditional implications, the Adamawa State Government has officially stripped Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of his prestigious traditional title, Waziri Adamawa, citing non-indigeneship as the reason.
The decision, announced in a government circular dated June 20, 2025, also affects other prominent figures, including the Walin Adamawa, and comes amid growing political tensions in the state. The Waziri Adamawa is the second most influential position in the Adamawa Emirate Council after the Lamido of Adamawa, making the removal a dramatic shift in both the traditional and political order.
Government Circular Cites New Rules for Traditional Titles
The announcement was made via a circular signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the document, the action is part of a broader reorganization of traditional institutions following the creation of new Chiefdoms by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The directive states that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigenes of their respective Chiefdoms.
“E.g, all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene[s] of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene[s] of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state,” the circular noted.
This clause effectively disqualifies Atiku, who is from Jada Local Government Area, part of the Ganye Chiefdom, and not from any of the districts under the Adamawa Emirate Council.
Political Undertones Stir Public Outrage
The decision has sparked widespread outrage and speculation, as many observers view it as a politically motivated move targeting Atiku Abubakar—who remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures and a longtime power player in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources close to the matter suggest that the move is a form of political retaliation by Governor Fintiri, who was once an ally of Atiku during the 2023 general elections. Both men ran on the PDP platform, with Atiku seeking the presidency and Fintiri contesting for re-election as governor.
However, their relationship has since soured, especially after reports emerged that Atiku is in talks with rival political figures, including Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, to form a new opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.
New Executive Bill Raises Fresh Concerns
Fueling further concerns, a controversial executive bill is currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly, seeking to grant the governor authority to “depose any ailing emir or king” and install a “chosen prince” of his preference.
Critics say the bill could give Governor Fintiri sweeping control over traditional leadership, allowing him to manipulate royal institutions for political advantage. Many see the removal of Atiku as a test run for this broader agenda.
Mixed Reactions and Political Shockwaves
While government insiders insist the decision is purely administrative and legal, political analysts describe it as a “thunderbolt” move aimed at weakening Atiku’s influence in his home state ahead of the next elections.
“This is not just about chieftaincy titles—it’s a strategic political hit,” a senior PDP member who asked not to be named told reporters. “Stripping Atiku of a title as symbolic and powerful as Waziri Adamawa sends a strong message, both to him and his supporters.”
As of press time, Atiku Abubakar has not issued an official statement regarding his removal, but sources close to him say he views the move as “a dangerous politicization of tradition.”
Key Points at a Glance:
- Atiku Abubakar stripped of Waziri Adamawa title over “non-indigeneship.”
- Government circular signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman on June 20, 2025.
- Affects others like Walin Adamawa.
- Critics say move is politically motivated by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
- Atiku allegedly in talks to form new opposition coalition for 2027.
- Controversial bill seeks to give governor power to depose traditional rulers.
- Political analysts describe it as a major power play with implications for national politics.
Stay tuned for further updates as reactions continue to pour in from across Nigeria’s political and traditional circles.
