The Adamawa State Government has officially withdrawn the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following a new policy that limits emirate council positions to indigenes of specific districts within the state.
The decision, which marks a significant restructuring of traditional institutions in the state, was conveyed in a circular dated June 20, 2025. The document, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that only residents from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts are now eligible for appointments as council members and kingmakers within the Adamawa Emirate.
This policy directly disqualifies Atiku Abubakar, who hails from Jada in the Ganye Chiefdom, outside the newly approved districts.
The title of Waziri Adamawa — traditionally regarded as the second most important in the emirate after the Lamido — was conferred on Atiku Abubakar decades ago and has remained a significant symbol of his local influence.
The government claims the move is part of a broader administrative overhaul aimed at aligning the emirate system with the new chiefdom structure recently established by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
However, analysts are interpreting the action as a fallout of recent political tensions. Atiku and Governor Fintiri, both members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections, are now seen on divergent paths. Atiku has reportedly been involved in talks with opposition figures such as former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Aishatu Binani, fueling speculation about a possible coalition against the ruling party in 2027.
The situation is further complicated by a controversial bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The proposed legislation would empower the governor to depose any traditional ruler deemed unfit and appoint successors directly — a move that critics say could concentrate undue power in the executive and politicise the traditional institution.
As of press time, the former Vice President is yet to issue an official response to the revocation of his title.
