Adamawa Government Withdraws Waziri Title from Atiku Abubakar

The Adamawa State Government has officially withdrawn the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing a recently adopted indigeneship policy affecting leadership roles within the emirate council system.

The development was announced in a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs.

The revocation is part of a wider overhaul of traditional structures following the establishment of new chiefdoms by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration.

Previously regarded as the second-highest position within the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, the Waziri title is now restricted to individuals from specific districts—namely Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo.

Since Atiku hails from Jada Local Government Area, within the Ganye Chiefdom, he no longer meets the revised eligibility requirements.

The circular clarified that the policy affects all traditional titleholders and council members whose origins lie outside the newly designated districts. It marks a significant reshaping of traditional leadership across the state.

Though government officials maintain that the decision is purely administrative, political observers have interpreted it as a reflection of deepening political tensions between Governor Fintiri and Atiku.

Both men were major players in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections, but recent developments point to a growing rift.

In recent months, Atiku has been linked to strategic consultations with influential political figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani—raising speculation about the emergence of a new political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.