Abdullahi Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has clarified that his recent dismissal by President Bola Tinubu was unrelated to any issues of performance or misconduct. Speaking to BBC Hausa Service, Gwarzo expressed surprise at the decision, noting that he had not been cited for poor performance or wrongdoing during his tenure. He explained that, as Minister of State, his responsibilities were secondary to those of the senior minister who managed the majority of the ministry’s activities.
Gwarzo shared that President Tinubu had informed him of the decision in advance, citing a need to balance political representation as Kano North had an excess of political appointees. However, Gwarzo suggested that external influences may have played a role, as he found the rationale unconvincing.
He also expressed disappointment that the ministerial position had not been assigned to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 Kano governorship candidate and a leader in Kano Central. “If the ministerial slot is indeed meant for Kano Central, we have our 2023 governorship candidate... Why not consider giving him the position?” Gwarzo argued, pointing out that gubernatorial candidates from Plateau and Zamfara who did not secure office were subsequently appointed to federal roles.
This development highlights underlying political dynamics in Kano and raises questions about the influence of regional balancing on federal appointments.
