The Adamawa State Government has officially revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing a new indigeneship policy that redefines eligibility for emirate council leadership. The decision, outlined in a circular dated June 20, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, affects all traditional titles within the state’s emirate systems. Under the new rules, only individuals from specific districts including Yola South, Yola North, and Girei are eligible—disqualifying Atiku, who hails from Jada in the Ganye Chiefdom.
Although the government maintains that the move is administrative and linked to recent restructuring of traditional institutions following the creation of new chiefdoms, political observers see it as part of a growing rift between Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Atiku. Both men were influential in the PDP during the 2023 elections, but tensions have since escalated. Atiku’s recent engagements with prominent figures like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai have stirred rumors of a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The situation has sparked broader controversy, particularly with a new bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly that proposes giving the governor power to depose and appoint traditional rulers. Critics argue that such legislation would dangerously centralize authority, threaten the independence of traditional institutions, and further politicize chieftaincy affairs in the state.
