Political tension is brewing in Kano State following calls by the state government for Deputy Governor, Aminu AbdulSalam Gwarzo to resign over alleged political divergence from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a move strongly rejected by the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The controversy followed recent remarks by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who suggested that the Deputy Governor should consider stepping aside if he can no longer align politically with Governor Yusuf, who recently defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a live programme on radio, Waiya said political dissonance at the top of government could undermine trust and effective governance, particularly as Gwarzo also serves as Commissioner for Higher education.
Waiya’s comments were made amid reports that the Deputy Governor has remained loyal to the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“What we are hoping for, just as some commissioners who felt uncomfortable with the new direction resigned, is that the deputy governor should take an honourable step if he is no longer on the same political path with the governor”, Waiya said.
He warned that suspicion within the Executive Council could stall governance, stressing that trust was essential for effective leadership. “If you sit in an Executive Council meeting discussing how to build Kano and there is suspicion about where discussions may lead, then there is a problem. Governance is about trust”, he added.
The Commissioner also alluded to possible personal political ambitions influencing the deputy governor’s stance, noting that while ambition was legitimate, conflicting interests should be pursued outside government.
However, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected the call, describing it as “unwarranted and unfortunate.” In a statement signed by its Media Team spokesperson, Hon. Habibu Saleh Mailemo, the Movement stressed that Gwarzo’s mandate was derived from the electorate, and could not be terminated at the discretion of any individual.
“The Deputy Governor was elected on a joint ticket and has a constitutional mandate from the people of Kano State. His position is not subject to the discretion of any individual”, the statement said.
Kwankwasiyya warned that such calls could deepen internal divisions within the administration and divert attention from governance and service delivery. Emphasising unity and democratic principles, the movement urged restraint, dialogue, and mutual respect among political actors, while reaffirming its support for the deputy governor.
“The interest of the people of Kano State should remain paramount. We remain committed to constructive engagement and the collective goal of effective governance and development”, the statement added.
