In a dramatic turn of events, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lost his prestigious traditional title of Waziri Adamawa, a development that has sparked nationwide debates and political speculation. The decision, linked to a new indigeneship policy in Adamawa State, has been interpreted by many as a politically motivated move targeting one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures.
A Brief History of Atiku’s Traditional Titles
Atiku was first conferred with the title Turaki of Adamawa in 1982 by then Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Mustafa, who later became his father-in-law. In June 2017, he was elevated to the position of Waziri Adamawa—a traditional role akin to Prime Minister in Hausa/Fulani heritage—making him the Lamido’s principal adviser and second-in-command in the emirate hierarchy. He was officially turbaned in November 2018, while his former title, Turaki, was passed on to his son, Aliyu.
Waziri Title Revoked in 2025
On June 20, 2025, a circular signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, revealed that Atiku’s title had been revoked. The reason: a new policy limiting emirate council titles and membership to indigenes of select districts—Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo. Atiku, being a native of Jada Local Government Area (part of Ganye Chiefdom), was thereby rendered ineligible.
The circular emphasized that the policy was state-wide, affecting not only Atiku but also other traditional titleholders who are not from the newly recognized districts.
Understanding the New Adamawa Emirate Law
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri initiated a major restructuring of traditional institutions in December 2024, when he signed the District Creation Law 2024, creating 83 new districts and empowering the government to create or dissolve emirates and appoint or depose traditional rulers.
While officials claim the law aims to improve governance and address security challenges, critics see it as a calculated move to weaken the authority of Lamido of Adamawa, Mustapha Barkindo, reducing the emirate’s jurisdiction from eight local government areas to three—Yola, Girei, and Jimeta.
Creation of Seven New Emirates and Chiefdoms
On December 23, 2024, Governor Fintiri announced the creation of seven new emirates and chiefdoms:
Hoba Chiefdom (Hong)
Madagali Chiefdom (Gulak)
Michika Chiefdom (Michika)
Fufore Emirate (Fufore)
Gombi Chiefdom (Gombi)
Maiha Emirate (Maiha)
Yungur Chiefdom (Dumne)
This restructuring diluted the influence of both the Lamido of Adamawa and the Emir of Mubi, further fueling political and ethnic debates across the state.
Is Atiku’s Removal Politically Motivated?
Observers argue that the timing and nature of the revocation suggest political undertones. Atiku and Governor Fintiri, once allies under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections, are now on opposite sides of the political spectrum.
Tensions escalated after Atiku reportedly entered into talks with political figures like Peter Obi, Aishatu Binani, and Nasir El-Rufai to form a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Critics also cite a controversial executive bill before the State Assembly, which could allow the governor to depose ailing emirs and appoint new ones at will. This has raised fears of a broader political purge disguised as administrative reform.
Public Reactions: Outrage and Justification
AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, a public affairs analyst, condemned the move as “betrayal,” accusing Governor Fintiri of turning on the man who helped secure his political future.
“Atiku remains the bigger man here – no title can change that. Fintiri is only making himself look smaller with these petty politics,” Abubakar said.
However, others view the reform as long-overdue justice for ethnic minorities in Adamawa. Patrick Anum, a social commentator, defended the restructuring as a move to undo colonial-era injustices that placed Fulani rulers over non-Fulani indigenous communities.
“For the first time in over a century, ethnic groups like the Kilba, Hona, Margi, Bura, and others now have the right to self-rule,” Anum wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Atiku’s removal isn’t personal; it’s part of a larger liberation movement from Fulani dominance.”
Adamawa Government Denies Targeting Atiku
The state government has dismissed allegations of political victimization. Speaking on July 25, 2025, Commissioner for Information Iliya James stated that the reforms are designed to decentralize traditional governance and prevent external interference.
“Traditional institutions should be able to govern themselves without outside influence. The new law affects council members, not just titleholders like Atiku,” he explained.James noted that many prominent figures, not just Atiku, have been affected due to the reorganization of chiefdoms and emirates.
Conclusion: Restructuring or Retaliation?
Atiku Abubakar’s removal as Waziri Adamawa sits at the intersection of traditional reform and political rivalry. While the Adamawa State Government defends its actions as part of a wider effort to modernize traditional institutions, critics remain unconvinced, viewing the move as a strategic attempt to sideline a powerful political adversary.
Whether seen as liberation for marginalized groups or a veiled power play, one thing is clear: the implications of this decision will reverberate far beyond the borders of Adamawa.
