By Aminu Adamu
Yola, Adamawa State
In a move that sent shockwaves through political and traditional circles across Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was recently stripped of his revered traditional title, Waziri of Adamawa. The revocation came as part of a sweeping restructuring of Adamawa State’s traditional institutions spearheaded by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
While officially framed as a broad administrative reform, the removal of Atiku’s title—along with those of other prominent figures—has ignited speculation of political undercurrents, internal power struggles, and a silent reshaping of influence in the state’s leadership fabric.
Tradition Meets Governance: The Role of a Waziri
The Waziri title, deeply rooted in northern Nigeria’s history, is more than ceremonial. It is a revered advisory position, second only to the Lamido in the Adamawa Emirate Council. Holders of this title are seen as custodians of tradition, respected voices in community affairs, and symbols of honor.
Atiku Abubakar, a native of Jada in Adamawa State, was first conferred the title of Turaki before being elevated to Waziri by the Lamido, Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha. The appointment reflected his stature not just as a former vice president, but as a son of the soil whose national profile gave weight to the emirate’s standing.
For years, Atiku’s role as Waziri symbolized his deep connection with Adamawa’s traditional institutions and added to his social capital in the region.
The Reform That Sparked the Shake-up
The unraveling began earlier this year when Governor Fintiri launched a comprehensive reform of the traditional council system. Under this plan, the long-standing Mubi and Adamawa emirates were broken into multiple smaller emirates and chiefdoms. The restructuring, according to the state government, was aimed at aligning traditional governance with modern administrative realities.
“Traditional titles acquired from the old emirates and chiefdoms are hereby dropped,” Governor Fintiri announced during a public event in Madagali. “It is time for new emirates and councils to recommend individuals who reflect the needs and aspirations of the new territorial jurisdictions.”
That announcement meant that all previously conferred titles no matter how high or symbolicwould be considered invalid unless re-approved under the new structure.
Atiku Abubakar was not singled out. The governor himself, who held the title of Sarki Yaki Mubi, and former Governor Boni Haruna (Makama Mubi) also lost their titles. But it was Atiku’s removal that drew the most public attention and for good reason.
A Political Undercurrent?
While the reforms were framed as neutral, observers and political analysts see a deeper, more calculated motive behind the revocation. Atiku and Fintiri are members of the same political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but belong to opposing factions within it. Fintiri, a known ally of the Wike-led PDP bloc, has at times distanced himself from Atiku’s national leadership.
“The revocation might have been applied across the board, but there’s no denying that it serves a political function,” says Dr. Haruna Tukur, a political analyst based in Yola. “Symbolically, it’s a way to weaken Atiku’s grip on local influence without firing a direct political shot.”
Indeed, the message was subtle, but clear: traditional legitimacy in Adamawa is now under a new guard—and every titleholder must align with the new order or risk being erased from the power map.
Reactions from the Ground
The revocation of Atiku’s title has sparked mixed reactions across Adamawa State and beyond. While some view it as a routine consequence of restructuring, others see it as a tactical play in the larger chessboard of Nigerian politics.
“I see this as an administrative clean-up,” said Ibrahim Bello, a member of the Yola Emirate Council. “The emirates were expanded; titles must reflect that reality. But yes, the symbolism can’t be ignored. When Atiku is affected, people pay more attention.”
On the streets of Jimeta and Ganye, ordinary residents expressed confusion and surprise.
“How can they remove Waziri Atiku?” asked Fatima Musa, a tailor in Yola. “He has done so much for this state. Is it because of politics?”
The Path to Reinstatement
Despite the public fallout, Atiku is not permanently barred from holding a title. Under the new rules, traditional councils in the newly established emirates and chiefdoms must nominate candidates for ceremonial titles. These nominations must then receive the governor’s approval.
Technically, Atiku could be re-nominated and re-conferred with a title, possibly even the Waziri again—if he chooses to seek it.
However, political analysts warn that such reinstatement is unlikely unless Atiku mends fences with the Fintiri-led state administration or strategically aligns with the emerging power structures.
“It’s not just about tradition anymore,” said Hajara Yusuf, a journalist covering northern politics. “It’s about whose side you’re on in the evolving PDP crisis and whether you still control your base.”
A Shifting Landscape
The revocation also signals a broader shift in how tradition and politics intersect in Nigeria. Traditional institutions, once seen as outside the sphere of modern politics, are increasingly being co-opted or reshaped by state governments seeking to consolidate influence.
“The emirate system is evolving,” explains Professor Bashir Yadudu, a scholar of Hausa-Fulani governance systems. “We’re seeing a fusion of bureaucratic state control with cultural authority. Governors are now gatekeepers of both political power and traditional honor.”
In this light, Atiku’s title loss may be less about personal rebuke and more about institutional reconfiguration—albeit one with deep political undertones.
Implications for Atiku and the 2027 Outlook
Though stripped of his traditional role, Atiku remains a formidable political actor nationally. He has yet to make any public comment about the title revocation, but insiders suggest he is closely watching the situation.
With 2027 on the horizon and Atiku’s potential presidential ambition still lingering, the fallout from Adamawa may shape not just his local strategy but also his broader electoral calculations.
“Losing a title like Waziri might seem ceremonial,” said Dr. Tukur, “but in the north, it’s part of your identity. It affects how people perceive your authority, especially in rural areas.”
Moreover, the incident may impact Atiku’s ability to mobilize grassroots support in his home state—a factor that could influence internal party negotiations and national political alliances.
What Comes Next?
As new councils settle into their roles and begin conferring titles anew, Adamawa’s traditional system stands at a crossroads. Will it be used to elevate new political allies? Or will it remain true to cultural merit and historical service?
For Atiku, the next steps are crucial. Will he seek reappointment, ignore the episode altogether, or counteract through political mobilization?
Regardless of his choice, the message from Yola is clear: tradition is no longer insulated from power. And in Adamawa, titles are now tools in a much larger political struggle.
Final Word
The revocation of Atiku Abubakar’s Waziri title may appear procedural on paper, but in reality, it is a potent mix of tradition, political realignment, and personal rivalry. It reveals the growing trend in Nigerian governance where traditional institutions are not just cultural relics but chess pieces in high-stakes political games.
As Adamawa adjusts to its new administrative and traditional architecture, the implications for state politics, and Atiku’s influence within them will continue to unfold in the months ahead.
