Published June 25, 2025
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has lost his traditional title of Waziri Adamawa.
Atiku’s son, Alhaji Aliyu Atiku, the Turaki Adamawa also lost his traditional title.
Atiku was crowned in February 2023 by the present Lamido of Adamawa, Mustapha Barkindo.

The Adamawa State Government on Tuesday issued a new directive mandating that all kingmakers and members of traditional councils across the state must be indigenes of the chiefdoms or emirates they represent.
The circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adama Felicity Mamman, read, “All kingmakers and council members in the state must be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.”
The directive stated that only individuals from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo Districts can serve as kingmakers or council members in the Adamawa Emirate Council.
In a similar development, only indigenes of Mubi North and Mubi South are eligible to serve in the Mubi Emirate Council.
Atiku and his son are natives of Jada Local Government Area, which falls under the Ganye Chiefdom.
His long-held traditional title, Waziri Adamawa, is tied to the Adamawa Emirate
The title of Waziri Adamawa is widely considered the second most senior traditional position in the Emirate, subordinate only to the Lamido of Adamawa.