The Adamawa State Government has withdrawn the prestigious title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing non-indigeneship as the reason behind the decision.
The Waziri Adamawa position, traditionally second only to the Lamido of Adamawa, has long been considered one of the most influential titles in the region.
The revocation, which also affects the holder of the Walin Adamawa title, was detailed in a circular dated June 20, 2025. The document was signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in 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 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.”
As a result of this directive, Atiku who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom is no longer eligible to hold a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The move has drawn significant attention and sparked speculation, particularly given its timing. Political observers view it as a strategic maneuver to weaken Atiku’s influence within his home state. It also comes amid reports of strained relations between Atiku and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, once close political allies under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections.
Tensions reportedly escalated following Atiku’s recent involvement in high-level consultations with prominent figures including Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The talks are said to be part of efforts to build a new political coalition aimed at challenging the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
