The Adamawa State Government has officially revoked the revered traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The decision follows a newly enforced policy stipulating that all traditional council members and titleholders must be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.
According to a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, the policy is now applicable across all emirates within the state. The document emphasizes the state’s intent to streamline the traditional institution in accordance with local indigeneship laws.
Atiku, who is originally from Jada Local Government Area—a territory under the Ganye Chiefdom—was thereby disqualified from holding the Wazirin Adamawa title, which is reserved for an indigene of the Adamawa Emirate. He had held the title since 2017, a prestigious role regarded as the second most influential title in the emirate.
Although the Adamawa State Government maintains that the decision is purely administrative, political observers and insiders suggest otherwise. The timing of the revocation, coupled with Atiku’s recent political alliances, has fueled allegations of political retaliation.
Atiku Abubakar, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has recently been seen in strategic political conversations with key opposition figures such as Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. These talks, according to sources, are likely to influence the realignment of political forces ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
His increasingly strained relationship with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri—his long-time ally turned political rival—has only heightened speculations that the Waziri title withdrawal is more about political muscle-flexing than cultural reform.
The title of Waziri, traditionally a trusted advisor and power broker within the emirate, has historically been associated with immense influence, both politically and culturally. Atiku’s removal not only dents his traditional status but could also affect his grassroots mobilization strength in the North-East, especially as campaign strategies begin to take shape for 2027.
The decision comes as the Adamawa State House of Assembly is reviewing a controversial bill that could grant the governor the power to depose traditional rulers deemed “unfit to rule.” Critics argue this may further politicize the traditional institution and weaken its autonomy.
Speaking anonymously, a palace source lamented the government’s interference, stating, “This is not just about Atiku. It’s a dangerous precedent where tradition is being manipulated for political gain.”
The development has sparked heated reactions from various quarters, including legal experts, civil society groups, and political stakeholders. Some argue that the state government may have overstepped its bounds, especially if the title in question predates the indigeneship requirement or if exemptions were previously made.
Others support the move, claiming it aligns with the principle of preserving indigenous cultural heritage and ensuring that traditional institutions reflect local demographics.
As of press time, Atiku Abubakar has yet to release an official statement concerning the development. However, aides close to the former Vice President hint that a formal response may be issued in the coming days, possibly challenging the directive or calling for a review of the new chieftaincy policy.
The unfolding situation adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, especially as the nation inches closer to what promises to be a decisive 2027 election.