The June 2025 revocation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s prestigious title of Waziri Adamawa has ignited political tension and sparked a heated national conversation over tradition, identity, and power in Adamawa State. While the official explanation cites a new indigeneship policy tied to traditional council reforms, critics argue it may be a calculated move by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to sideline one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures.

Atiku was conferred the title Waziri Adamawa in June 2017 and officially turbaned in November 2018. The title, historically akin to a Prime Minister or chief adviser to the Lamido (king), placed Atiku as the second most senior figure in the Adamawa Emirate hierarchy. Prior to this elevation, he was the Turaki of Adamawa, a title passed to his son after his promotion.

The appointment was a reflection of his long-standing service, philanthropy, and political influence, not only in Adamawa but across Nigeria.

A circular dated June 20, 2025, from the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, announced that Atiku’s title had been revoked. The reason? A new indigeneship policy introduced by Governor Fintiri that restricts emirate titles to indigenes from specific districts: Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Song, Zumo, and Mayo-Belwa.

Atiku, hailing from Jada LGA—now part of the newly created Ganye Chiefdom—is therefore no longer eligible under the updated law.

 

This reform follows the 2024 District Creation Law, signed in December 2024, which led to the creation of 83 new districts and seven new emirates/chiefdoms, significantly reducing the territorial influence of the Lamido of Adamawa and decentralizing traditional authority in the state.

 

While the government insists the change is part of a broader administrative reform, many political observers see it differently.

• Atiku and Fintiri’s falling-out post-2023 has been public. Despite running under the same PDP banner, relations soured—particularly with Atiku’s recent talks with opposition leaders (Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai) aimed at forming a coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.

• The timing of the revocation and the personal nature of the Waziri title has fueled suspicions that Fintiri is politically isolating Atiku and asserting control over traditional institutions once tied to his rival’s legacy.

• Critics like AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar call it a betrayal, accusing Fintiri of turning on the man who once backed his political ascent.

 

“Fintiri is biting the hand that fed him,” Na’ibi said. “This isn’t about reform—it’s about ego and payback. Atiku remains the bigger man. No title can change that.”

 

 

Others defend the reform as a progressive step toward justice and cultural inclusivity.

• Commentator Patrick Anum argued that the traditional leadership system, as shaped by British colonialism, over-centralized power in Fulani emirates, marginalizing non-Fulani ethnic groups like the Kilba, Chamba, and Margi.

• The restructuring, he says, restores dignity to indigenous communities that had been governed for centuries by rulers not of their own culture or choosing.

 

“This isn’t about Atiku. It’s about correcting history,” Anum said. “For the first time, ethnic groups now get to have their own kings. That’s what real restructuring looks like.”

 

The Adamawa State Government has officially denied any personal motives, saying the policy affects many titleholders, not just Atiku. According to Commissioner for Information, Iliya James, the goal is to decentralize chieftaincy affairs and prevent outsiders from influencing emirate decisions.

 

“This is about giving traditional councils autonomy,” he said. “It’s not about Atiku. Many others from outside the new districts have also been affected.”

 

This development has symbolic and political implications:

• Symbolically, it marks the decline of Atiku’s institutional influence in his home state.

• Politically, it underscores Governor Fintiri’s consolidation of control ahead of potential 2027 realignments.

• Culturally, it represents a significant decentralization of Fulani dominance in Adamawa’s traditional structure, possibly empowering long-sidelined ethnic groups.

 

 

Was Atiku’s removal a revenge move by a former ally-turned-rival? Or is it a historic correction long overdue in Adamawa’s power structure?

 

The answer likely lies somewhere in between—where politics and tradition intersect. What’s clear is that Governor Fintiri’s decision, whether reformist or retaliatory, has reshaped the chieftaincy landscape and may well redefine alliances in Nigeria’s turbulent march toward 2027.