Kano commissioner asks deputy governor to step down over political rift

Ibrahim Waiya, the Kano State commissioner for information and internal affairs, has publicly called on the deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo, to consider stepping aside if he can no longer align politically with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the governor’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Waiya warned that political divergence at the highest levels of government could undermine trust, unity and effective governance in the state, particularly at a time when Kano faces critical development challenges. He made the remarks during a live programme on Muhasa Radio while responding to reports that the deputy governor remains loyal to the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, despite Yusuf’s resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

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Governor Yusuf’s defection has triggered political realignments within the Kano State Government, with several commissioners reportedly resigning after expressing discomfort with the new political direction. Waiya said similar considerations should apply to the deputy governor if there is a clear ideological or political disconnect with the governor.

“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 stressed that governance thrives on shared purpose and mutual trust, noting that any lingering suspicion within the executive council could stall decision-making and policy execution. According to him, effective governance becomes difficult when senior officials are perceived to be pursuing conflicting political agendas.

“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 said.

Waiya also pointed out that the situation carries added weight because Gwarzo doubles as the commissioner for higher education, a strategic portfolio that requires close coordination with the governor to drive reforms in the education sector.

The commissioner, however, clarified that the decision ultimately rests with the deputy governor and that there is no constitutional compulsion forcing him to resign. He said Gwarzo could remain in office if he believes he can continue to work effectively with the governor despite the political shift.

“It is his decision; if he believes he can continue to work with the governor under the present circumstances, then that is fine,” Waiya said.

Speaking personally, Waiya said he would choose to resign rather than remain in office under conditions of political misalignment, adding that clarity and openness were essential in public service.

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“But if I were in that position, I would have left the office and faced my political journey clearly and openly,” he said.

The comments reflect growing tension within Kano’s political landscape following Yusuf’s move to the APC, a development that has reshaped alliances and raised questions about loyalty within the state’s executive arm. As the situation unfolds, attention is likely to remain on whether the deputy governor will reaffirm his commitment to the current administration or chart a separate political course.