Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has formally stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his prestigious traditional title of Waziri Adamawa, in a move interpreted as both administrative and politically charged.
A circular dated June 20, 2025, issued by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, conveyed the directive. The notice outlined a new rule that all traditional council members and titleholders must be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.
“Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene of their Chiefdoms,” the circular reads.
According to the document, members of the Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigenes of districts such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo excluding Atiku’s native Jada Local Government Area, which falls under the Ganye Chiefdom.
This disqualifies Atiku Abubakar from holding the Waziri Adamawa title traditionally considered the second-highest rank in the Adamawa Emirate, directly subordinate to the Lamido of Adamawa.
While the state government framed the move as part of a broader administrative reorganisation of chiefdoms, many political observers see it as a strategic attempt to erode Atiku’s influence in the state. The timing and implications point to a deepening fallout between Fintiri and Atiku, both of whom ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections Atiku as presidential candidate and Fintiri as governor.
Tensions have reportedly escalated in recent months, especially following Atiku’s alleged involvement in opposition realignment talks, including meetings with APC stalwart Aishatu Binani Fintiri’s main rival in the last governorship election.
Although no official statement has been issued by Atiku’s camp, political circles are abuzz with speculation that the title revocation marks a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape possibly setting the stage for a fierce power struggle ahead of the 2027 elections.
