Gov Yusuf clears air on controversy surrounding ex-deputy’s resignation

Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has addressed the political tension surrounding the reported resignation of his former deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, alleging that there was a failed plot to remove him from office.

Speaking at the Government House in Kano while receiving a political group loyal to him, the governor said he was unaware of Gwarzo’s resignation and had yet to receive any formal letter confirming the development.

Yusuf, who was elected alongside his former deputy in 2023, maintained that despite the alleged attempt to unseat him, the plan did not succeed. He stressed that his mandate remains intact and cannot be truncated before the end of his tenure.

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“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter. Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take over the position, but God did not allow it,” the governor said.

He expressed satisfaction with the situation, describing the vacancy as an opportunity to appoint a credible replacement, adding that several qualified individuals have already shown interest in the position.

The governor also responded to criticism from the Kwankwasiyya movement, which had accused him of betrayal following his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party. Yusuf argued that recent defections of some members to the African Democratic Congress exposed inconsistencies within the group, noting that those criticising him had engaged in similar political actions.

He further criticised what he described as a lack of internal democracy within the party, alleging that key decisions were made without proper consultation.

“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.

Yusuf insisted that recent political developments have vindicated his decision to leave the party, adding that earlier warnings he issued have now materialised. He also questioned ongoing political realignments within the movement, particularly attempts to elevate new actors over longstanding members.

Despite the tensions, the governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on governance and delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Kano.