Pressure is beginning to mount on Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, to resign over his refusal to join his boss, Governor Abba Yusuf, in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, had advised the deputy governor to resign, adding that his continued participation in executive affairs without political alignment undermines trust and confidentiality in governance.

Concern about the fate of the deputy governor had emerged shortly after Governor Yusuf’s defection on Monday. Governor Yusuf and Gwarzo were elected on the NNPP platform.

However, the deputy governor is a staunch loyalist of the former governor of Kano State, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who also heads the Kwankwasiyya Movement, of which Governor Yusuf was a prominent member before switching to the ruling APC.

Ketso, in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, said while the governor and his deputy might try to be mature about their relationship, other political actors would come between them, leading to his likely impeachment by the State’s House of Assembly.

The governor moved to the ruling party alongside 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors.

Earlier, the State House of Assembly had 24 NNPP members and 14 APC members, excluding the two NNPP lawmakers who died recently.

Of the 24 NNPP members, 22 defected along with the governor to the APC, raising the APC’s numbers in the State Assembly to 36, with two vacant seats and two NNPP members. The State Assembly is expected to resume on Monday.

Resign now, Commissioner tells dep gov

The Information and Internal Affairs Commissioner, Waiya, during a local radio programme monitored by our correspondent, stressed that loyalty and mutual confidence were central to effective governance.

Waiya said it was incompatible for a senior government official who no longer aligned with the administration’s political direction to continue attending routine executive council meetings. He raised concerns over trust and the handling of sensitive government information.

“This is his personal decision, but there is no way someone who is no longer with you should be part of routine council meetings.

“Who knows with whom he might share important government secrets? In government, things are done based on trust, and you can’t trust someone who is not with you,” he said.

According to him, resignation would be the most honourable option open to the deputy governor under the circumstances.

“If I were him, I would humbly resign,” he said.

The remarks come amid broader political developments in the state, particularly the recent defection of Governor Yusuf to the APC.

Waiya described the move as being in the best interest of Kano State, noting that closer alignment with the Federal Government would enhance access to development projects and federal interventions.

He said residents should expect greater dividends of democracy, especially in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education and social welfare, as a result of improved collaboration with the centre.

NNPP rejects calls for deputy governor’s resignation

In its reaction, the NNPP raised objections to the call by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, for the resignation of the deputy governor, insisting that he remains constitutionally empowered to continue in office.

The party’s publicity secretary, Engr Ibrahim Karaye, described the commissioner’s remarks as politically motivated and contrary to constitutional provisions guiding governance in the state.

The party stressed that the deputy governor, having emerged on a joint ticket with Governor Abba Yusuf, retains the legal and constitutional right to remain in office and discharge his responsibilities, regardless of party realignments.

“The deputy governor is a critical pillar in the governance structure of Kano State and remains entitled to his position under the constitution,” the statement said, adding that the State Executive Council is a constitutional body that should not be dragged into partisan disputes.

Engr Karaye further noted that the deputy governor has played a significant role in the administration’s achievements so far, arguing that attempts to undermine his position could threaten government stability.

The NNPP also took a swipe at Commissioner Waiya, stating that he was not actively involved in the political struggles that led to the emergence of the current administration and, therefore, lacked the moral authority to question the deputy governor’s loyalty or contributions.

Kano emirate tussle to end soon – Commissioner

Addressing concerns over the lingering emirate tussle in the state, the commissioner assured that the issue would soon be resolved amicably, saying the state government had taken concrete steps to restore lasting peace and stability.

“The Kano emirship tussle will soon be resolved because the government is committed to dialogue with all stakeholders,” he said, adding that the administration’s approach is anchored on respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions and the collective interest of the people.

It will be recalled that Muhammadu Sanusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the repeal of the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019, which dissolved the emirate councils created by the previous administration.

Kano commissioners reaffirm loyalty to Gov Yusuf

Some commissioners in Kano State have reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Abba Yusuf, dismissing reports suggesting divisions within the State Executive Council.

In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described such reports as mischievous, deliberate and misleading, noting that they were designed to distort the realities on the ground.

Waiya stressed that governance is driven by structure, legality and effective control, not propaganda or speculation.

According to him, commissioners heading the core ministries that determine policy direction, manage public finance and deliver critical infrastructure remain firmly aligned with the governor.

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 were 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 ensures that governance in Kano remains uninterrupted, with policies formulated and implemented, projects progressing across sectors and the bureaucracy fully aligned with the administration’s agenda.

He cautioned critics against confusing political headlines with actual authority, noting that while political movements may generate public attention, effective governance depends on control of institutions and functional structures.

He concluded that the Yusuf administration would not be distracted or weakened by political developments, insisting that the governor continues to govern effectively and strategically in line with his mandate.

Kwankwasiyya Faults Call For Kano Deputy Governor’s Resignation

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has criticised the Kano State Government over a reported call for the resignation of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, describing the move as unnecessary and unacceptable.

The reaction followed comments reportedly made by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, which suggested that the deputy governor should step down from office.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Hon. Habibu Saleh Mailemo, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Media Team, the group said the call for Gwarzo’s resignation was inappropriate and could undermine political harmony in the state.

“We have read with concern reports in the media indicating that the Kano State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, called on the Deputy Governor to resign. We consider this call unwarranted and unfortunate,” the statement said.

The movement stressed that the deputy governor was elected on a joint ticket with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and therefore derived his mandate directly from the electorate.

“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 added.

Kwankwasiyya also noted that the current administration emerged from a broad political process involving various stakeholders and urged government officials to prioritise unity and stability.

“We believe that the strength of any democratic government lies in internal cohesion, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional principles,” the group said.

The movement called on the Kano State Government to focus on governance and service delivery rather than internal disagreements.

“All parties should remain committed to peace, dialogue and democratic values. The interest of Kano people should remain paramount,” the statement said.

Kwankwasiyya further reaffirmed its support for the deputy governor and urged political actors to avoid actions that could create tension within the government.

“We remain committed to constructive engagement and the collective goal of ensuring effective governance and development in Kano State,” the group added.

-Leadership