In a surprising political and traditional upheaval, the Adamawa State Government has officially revoked the esteemed title of Waziri Adamawa from former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing that he is not a native of the area.
This decision is widely perceived as a strategic move to reduce his political clout in his home state.
The Waziri Adamawa is the second highest title in authority, following the paramount ruler, the Lamido of Adamawa.
The removal, which also affects the Walin Adamawa title, was announced in a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs within the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The circular stated, “In light of the new Chiefdoms established 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 indigenes of their Chiefdoms.
“For example, all Kingmakers and Council members from the Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigenes of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo Districts; while those from the Mubi Emirate Council must be indigenes of Mubi North and Mubi South, as well as all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state,” the circular explained.
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This effectively disqualifies Atiku, who comes from the Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, from holding a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The timing and nature of this directive have ignited outrage and speculation, as political analysts view it as a deliberate attempt by Governor Umaru Fintiri, a former ally of Atiku during the 2023 general elections, to publicly humiliate him.
Both politicians were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Atiku running for President and Fintiri for Governor.
However, their relationship seems to have significantly deteriorated, especially following Atiku’s recent discussions with Fintiri’s rival, Aishatu Binani, as well as Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to form a new opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Adding to the tension is a controversial executive bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly, which seeks to give the governor the authority to “depose any ailing emir or king” and appoint a “chosen prince” of his preference.
Critics argue that this would grant the governor extensive powers over traditional institutions, potentially allowing for a broader political purge under the guise of administrative reform.
While government insiders maintain that the decision is routine and legal, the act of removing one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures from his royal title is being perceived as a significant political shockwave.
