The Adamawa State Government has formally revoked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa, a prestigious chieftaincy he held for over a decade.
This explosive move comes amid growing political tensions between Nigeria’s leading opposition figure and the ruling APC establishment.
Insiders reveal the decision stems from the bitter aftermath of the 2023 presidential elections, where Atiku’s legal challenges against President Tinubu’s victory angered APC loyalists. With Adamawa now under APC control following Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s controversial loss in the 2023 governorship polls, political vendettas appear to be playing out through traditional institutions.
The timing raises eyebrows as Atiku remains a potent opposition force, with speculation about another presidential run in 2027. Traditional council sources claim “breach of protocol” as the official reason, but most analysts view this as a thinly-veiled attempt to diminish Atiku’s influence in his home state.
The former VP’s camp has yet to respond, but political observers warn this move could ignite fresh hostilities in Nigeria’s already volatile political landscape. The stripping of such a significant title from a former number two citizen sets a dangerous precedent in the politicization of traditional institutions.
This development comes just weeks after Atiku publicly criticized the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, suggesting the title revocation may be retaliation for his continued opposition role. As the 2027 elections approach, this bold move signals that the gloves are off in Nigerian politics.
