By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a move that has sent shocking waves through Nigeria’s political and traditional circles, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, a fellow member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has revoked the traditional titles held by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his son, Aliyu Atiku, citing a new indigeneship directive.
According to a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Permanent Secretary of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adama Felicity Mamman, all kingmakers and members of emirate councils must now be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.
Atiku, a native of Jada LGA in the Ganye Chiefdom, was serving as Waziri Adamawa, the second-highest traditional title after the Lamido. His son, Aliyu Atiku, held the title Turaki Adamawa, both are now disqualified under the new policy.
The directive restricts eligibility for emirate council appointments to indigenes from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts, effectively stripping Atiku and his son of their positions despite the fact that he lives in Yola.
The governor only recognised him as a voter in the unit and not an indigene but the issue of indigeneship can only be confirmed by Lamido of Adamawa.
Fintiri and Atiku were previously in alliance during the 2023 general elections, but recent alignments—Atiku’s reported talks with figures like Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai to form an opposition coalition for 2027—have further deepened the rift.
A particularly contentious bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly would give the governor authority to depose traditional rulers and appoint successors, raising concerns about executive overreach in cultural domains.
Analysts warn that the titling directive, though described by the government as a legal move aligned with state restructuring efforts, appears timed to curtail Atiku’s influence in his home state, especially ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.
As both the public and political observers await reaction from Atiku’s camp, this decision underscores the complexities of politics, tradition, and power within Adamawa and the wider PDP.
