Government strips Nigeria’s ex-Vice President, Atiku, Others of Chieftaincy Titles, citing non-indigeneship

News Update

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his revered traditional title of Waziri Adamawa, in a directive that also affects other prominent titleholders.

Although officially attributed to non-indigeneship, the decision is widely perceived as stemming from an underlying rift between the two political figures.

Atiku’s removal is widely perceived as a calculated move to weaken his political influence in the state.

The move was communicated in a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“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 stated.

“E.g., all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state.”

The directive effectively disqualifies Atiku Abubakar, a native of Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, from holding a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council, where the Waziri title belongs.

The Waziri Adamawa is traditionally regarded as the second most senior title in the Adamawa Emirate, directly subordinate to the Lamido of Adamawa.

Following the 2023 elections where both Atiku and Fintiri contested under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) —Atiku for President and Fintiri for Governor—their alliance has since fractured.

Atiku’s recent involvement in opposition talks with Aishatu Binani has been cited by many as confirming the alleged rift between the two.