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The political landscape in Kano State has been thrown into fresh turmoil as Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo comes under intense pressure to resign following his refusal to follow Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in defecting from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Yusuf’s defection on Monday has sparked internal tensions within the state government, with loyalties now sharply divided. While the governor has aligned himself with the APC, his deputy has chosen to remain loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement — a decision that has placed his political future under scrutiny.
Impeachment Talks Emerge
Sources told punch Newspaper that discussions are ongoing among lawmakers loyal to the governor over the possibility of initiating impeachment proceedings should the deputy governor refuse to resign voluntarily.
Kano has witnessed a similar episode in the past. In August 2018, former deputy governor Professor Hafiz Abubakar resigned after a breakdown in relations with then-governor Abdullahi Ganduje, amid moves by the House of Assembly to impeach him.
“Honourable Step” to Resign — Commissioner
Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, the 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 politically align with Governor Yusuf.
Waiya made the remarks during a live radio programme while responding to questions on the deputy governor’s reported loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya Movement despite the governor’s defection.
According to him, political divergence at the highest levels of government could undermine trust and effective governance — particularly given the deputy governor’s additional role 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 stressed that governance thrives on cohesion and shared direction, warning that mistrust could arise if a senior official remained in office 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 also suggested that political ambition might be influencing the deputy governor’s stance, noting Kano’s highly competitive political climate.
“There is nothing wrong with aspiring to become governor. But when personal ambition begins to conflict with the direction of government, the most honourable option is to step aside and pursue those goals independently,” he said.
“Only Kwankwaso Can Order His Resignation” — Aide
Attempts to reach the deputy governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
However, a senior official in the deputy governor’s office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Gwarzo would not resign unless instructed 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.
The source added that the deputy governor had been advised by close associates to resign but remained firm in awaiting instructions from his political leader.
NNPP Condemns Call for Resignation
The interim leadership of the NNPP in Kano State has condemned the call for the deputy governor’s resignation, insisting that he remains a bona fide member of the party and a central figure in the state’s administration.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Engr Ibrahim Karaye, the party emphasised that Gwarzo was elected on a joint ticket with Governor Yusuf and is constitutionally entitled to remain in office.
“The NNPP reaffirms the deputy governor’s right to occupy his position and his critical role in governance,” the statement said, stressing that the State Executive Council should not be dragged into partisan disputes.
Commissioners Reaffirm Loyalty to Governor Yusuf
Responding to reports of cabinet resignations, Waiya downplayed their impact, describing them as inconsequential to the overall functioning of government.
At least four commissioners resigned following the governor’s defection, deepening the rift between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and Yusuf’s supporters.
However, Waiya insisted that commissioners heading key ministries — including Education, Health, Works, Finance, Justice, Agriculture, Power, Housing, Environment and Economic Planning — remain fully aligned with the administration.
“These are the true levers of government 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.
Assembly Yet to Consider Impeachment
Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has clarified that no formal impeachment process has been initiated against the deputy governor.
Speaking to punch Newspaper, the Assembly’s spokesman, Kamal Shawai, said the House was currently on recess and would not resume plenary until February.
“While issues surrounding the governor’s defection were discussed informally, no motion or official communication on impeachment has been presented before the House,” he said.
According to him, any formal deliberation on the matter would only occur when lawmakers reconvene in early February.
