Kano Governor Yusuf Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Public Servants Eyeing 2027 Elections
In a decisive move ahead of the 2027 general elections, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to all political appointees in his cabinet who are nursing ambitions for elective positions to resign from their roles. The directive, announced on March 26, 2026, mandates that these officials must step down by March 31, 2026, or face retirement.
Targeted Officials and Statement Details
The ultimatum was communicated through a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruq Ibrahim. The statement explicitly addresses a wide range of political aides and public servants, including:
- Commissioners
- Special advisers
- Directors-general
- Executive secretaries
- Managing directors
- Senior special assistants
- Senior special reporters
- Special assistants
- Special reporters
- Personal assistants
To ensure broad compliance and official oversight, the statement was copied to key state officials, such as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Head of the Civil Service, the Clerk of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Chief Registrars of the High Court and the Sharia Court of Appeal in the state.
Deputy Governor's Impeachment Bid Fails in Court
In a related development, the Federal High Court sitting in Kano has declined to grant an application by the state's embattled deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, to halt his impeachment proceedings. The deputy governor, through his counsel Umar Danbaito, filed an ex parte application seeking an interim injunction to stop the impeachment process, which had already been initiated by the Kano State House of Assembly.
Gwarzo urged the court to suspend the impeachment pending the hearing and determination of an original summons filed before the same court. However, in his ruling, Justice S.M Shaibu declined the application, stating that the applicant did not meet the necessary legal requirements. The judge ordered Gwarzo to serve the respondents with court processes, including the motion ex parte, to allow them to respond appropriately.
The court has adjourned the matter to April 16, 2026, for further proceedings. This decision comes after thirty-eight lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) signed an impeachment notice against the deputy governor. The notice was moved by the Majority Leader and representative of Dala constituency, Lawan Husaini, highlighting the political tensions within the state's leadership.
This ultimatum by Governor Yusuf underscores the growing political preparations for the 2027 elections, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest among public servants while the deputy governor's legal challenges add to the state's political drama.
