Atiku Stripped of Waziri Adamawa Title Under New State Indigeneship Policy

The Adamawa State Government has revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing new eligibility requirements under an updated indigeneship policy governing emirate council leadership.

In a circular dated June 20, 2025, and signed by Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, the state announced that only individuals from six designated districts—Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo—are now eligible to hold traditional titles within the Adamawa Emirate. Atiku, a native of Jada in Ganye Chiefdom, no longer qualifies under the revised framework.

The Waziri Adamawa title, traditionally regarded as the second most powerful position in the emirate after the Lamido, is one of several affected by the restructuring initiated by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The changes come amid the establishment of new chiefdoms and growing efforts to consolidate the influence of the state government over traditional institutions.

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While officials insist the new policy is administrative, the decision is widely seen as politically charged. Atiku and Fintiri, both stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have reportedly drifted apart since the 2023 elections. Atiku has recently been linked to behind-the-scenes talks with opposition figures including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani — stoking speculation about a realignment ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Adding to the controversy is a proposed bill before the state assembly that would allow the governor to depose traditional rulers and appoint successors unilaterally. Critics warn the bill threatens the autonomy of traditional structures and concentrates excessive power in the governor’s office.

The removal of Atiku’s title marks a significant symbolic break in Adamawa’s political landscape — one that may reverberate nationally as alignments shift ahead of the next election cycle.