Atiku Abubakar

The Adamawa State Government has withdrawn the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing a newly introduced indigeneship policy that redefines eligibility for traditional leadership within the emirate system.

The development, disclosed in a circular dated June 20, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Adama Felicity Mamman, marks a significant shift in the governance of traditional institutions under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration.

According to the circular, only persons originating from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts are now eligible to hold positions within the Adamawa Emirate Council. Atiku, a native of Jada Local Government Area—part of the Ganye Chiefdom—no longer meets the stipulated requirements.

“This policy affects all members of the emirate councils and traditional titleholders whose origins lie outside the designated areas,” the document reads in part. It follows a broader restructuring of traditional authority in the state, prompted by the creation of new chiefdoms aimed at decentralising chieftaincy power and promoting regional representation.

The Waziri Adamawa title, traditionally considered the second most influential role after the Lamido of Adamawa, was bestowed on Atiku in 2017 by the current Lamido, Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha.

While the government insists the move is administrative and intended to bring coherence to the chieftaincy system, critics say the decision could be politically motivated. Analysts note rising tensions between Governor Fintiri and Atiku, both prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a possible factor behind the revocation.

Political observer Dr Bashir Numan told CoreNews that the timing of the announcement raises questions. “This decision may not be entirely coincidental, especially as Atiku is being increasingly linked with opposition realignment talks ahead of 2027,” he said.

In recent months, Atiku has reportedly held informal discussions with political heavyweights including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aishatu Binani, fuelling speculation about a new coalition poised to challenge the APC-led federal government in the next general election.

Further raising eyebrows is a controversial bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly that seeks to grant the governor unilateral power to depose traditional rulers deemed unfit and appoint successors directly.

Legal and civic groups have warned that the legislation, if passed, could concentrate excessive power in the hands of the executive and undermine the historical autonomy of traditional councils.

“This isn’t just about Atiku. It’s about setting a precedent that politicises traditional institutions,” said Amina Ismail, coordinator of the Adamawa Civic Forum. “The erosion of neutrality in chieftaincy affairs has long-term implications for local governance and community trust.”

As of press time, the former vice president had not issued an official response to the revocation.