Defection fallout: Kano dep gov under pressure to resign

The Kano State deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is facing mounting pressure from top government officials to resign his position following his refusal to align with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf’s move on Monday has triggered internal tensions within the state government, with his deputy opting instead to identify with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, in a political realignment that has placed loyalties under the microscope in Kano.

Sources told Daily Trust that discussions are ongoing among lawmakers loyal to the governor on the possibility of initiating impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor should he refuse to step down voluntarily.

Kano has witnessed a similar scenario in the past. In August 2018, Professor Hafiz Abubakar resigned as deputy governor following a breakdown in his relationship with then governor Ganduje. His resignation came amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him, a process that had not been concluded before he stepped down.

Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time on Thursday, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said it would be honourable for the deputy governor to resign if he could no longer align politically with Governor Yusuf.

Waiya made the remarks during a live radio programme while responding to questions on the deputy governor’s reported decision to remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya political movement, despite the governor’s recent defection.

The commissioner argued that political divergence at the highest levels of government could undermine trust and effective governance, particularly given the deputy governor’s additional responsibility as commissioner for higher education.

“What we are hoping for, just as we saw with some commissioners who felt uncomfortable and resigned, is that the deputy governor should also take an honourable step if he is no longer on the same political path with the governor,” Waiya said.

He noted that governance requires cohesion and a shared political direction, warning that mistrust could arise if a senior official remained in government while pursuing a different political course.

“If you sit in an Executive Council meeting where people are discussing how to build Kano and there is suspicion about where such discussions may end up, then there is a problem. Governance is about trust,” he added.

Waiya suggested that political ambition might be influencing the deputy governor’s position, noting that Kano’s political environment remains highly competitive.

“Many people have aspirations, including the ambition to become governor. There is nothing wrong with that. But if personal interests begin to conflict with the direction of government, the most honourable option is to step aside and pursue those goals independently,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the final decision rests with the deputy governor, acknowledging that remaining in office remains a personal choice.

“It is his decision. If he believes he can continue to work with the governor under the present circumstances, then that is fine. But if I were in that position, I would have left and faced my political journey clearly,” Waiya said.

He further emphasised that the Yusuf administration remained focused on what he described as the “Kano First” agenda, insisting that loyalty to the state’s development objectives must come before personal or factional interests.

“Our priority is Kano. Anyone whose interest collides with that objective will not be allowed to slow down governance,” he added.

Only Kwankwaso can order resignation – Dep Gov’s aide

Efforts to get the reaction of the deputy governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Several calls to his phone did not connect, and a visit to his office showed that he was not present.

However, a senior official in the deputy governor’s office, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said his principal was not prepared to resign unless directed to do so by Senator Kwankwaso.

“Honestly, he is not going to resign. He is waiting for Kwankwaso’s directive, so he is also in jeopardy,” the aide said.

“I can tell you that he had been advised by some people close to him to resign even before now, but he is waiting for a directive from his godfather,” the source added.

NNPP condemns commissioner’s call

The interim leadership of the NNPP in Kano State has condemned the call for the resignation of the deputy governor, insisting that he remains a bona fide member of the party and a key figure in the state’s governance.

In a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Engr Ibrahim Karaye, the party described the deputy governor as a pivotal component of the administration, stressing that he was elected on a joint ticket with Governor Yusuf.

The NNPP argued that Gwarzo is constitutionally entitled to continue discharging his duties, noting that the State Executive Council is a constitutional body that should not be dragged into partisan disputes.

“The NNPP reaffirms the deputy governor’s right to occupy his position and his critical role in governance, underscoring the imperative of adherence to constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said. “The party maintains that the deputy governor’s continuity in office is essential for the stability and progress of the state’s governance,” it added.

Commissioners reaffirm loyalty to Gov Yusuf

In a follow-up statement, the commissioner for information downplayed the resignation of some members of the state cabinet, describing the development as inconsequential to the overall functioning of government.

At least four commissioners resigned following the governor’s defection to the APC, deepening the rift between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and loyalists of Senator Kwankwaso, who have publicly opposed the governor’s move.

Waiya, however, said commissioners overseeing what he described as the core ministries that determine policy direction, manage public finance and deliver critical infrastructure remained firmly aligned with Governor Yusuf.

He listed the ministries of Education, Health, Works, Finance and Economic Planning, Planning and Budget, Information and Internal Affairs, Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agriculture, Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Transport, Power and Renewable Energy, Housing Development, Rural and Community Development, as well as Procurement and Monitoring, as fully intact and loyal to the administration.

“These are the true levers of government and the centres where decisions are taken and implemented. Claims to the contrary are either borne out of ignorance or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” he said.

The commissioner maintained that the stability of these key institutions meant governance in Kano remained uninterrupted, with policies being formulated and implemented, projects progressing across sectors and the bureaucracy fully aligned with the administration’s agenda.

Kano Assembly not yet considering impeachment – Spokesman

Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has said no formal matter concerning the impeachment of the deputy governor has been presented before the legislature.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the spokesman of the Assembly, Kamal Shawai, said the House was currently on recess and would not resume plenary until February.

Shawai explained that while issues surrounding the governor’s defection were discussed informally among lawmakers, no official communication or motion had been brought before the Assembly regarding impeachment proceedings.

“Last Monday, many issues were raised and discussed, including the defection of the governor, and subsequently those lawmakers made their decisions formal,” he said.

He stressed, however, that the issue of impeachment was not presently before the House, noting that legislative activities had been suspended due to the recess.

According to him, any formal consideration of the matter would only take place when lawmakers reconvene.

“By February 2, when the House resumes, if there is anything like this, I am sure it will be brought up for deliberation,” he added.

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