Kano Deputy Governor Steps Down to Avoid Impeachment, Denies Wrongdoing
In a dramatic political development, Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has tendered his resignation, succumbing to intense pressure from an impeachment plot initiated by the Kano State House of Assembly. The announcement was made on Friday by Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammad, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who stated that Gwarzo took this difficult decision in the overall interest of the people and to ensure stability in governance within Kano State.
However, the release firmly clarified that the resignation does not constitute an admission to the allegations raised against him by the state assembly. According to the statement, "This decision, though difficult, has been taken in the overall interest of the people and the stability of governance in Kano State. Recent circumstances have, to a considerable extent, constrained the full realization of the benefits and responsibilities attached to the office of the Deputy Governor."
Legal Battle and Impeachment Proceedings
Prior to his resignation, Gwarzo had approached the Federal High Court in Kano in an attempt to halt the impeachment process. Through his counsel, Barrister Umar Danbaito, he filed an ex-parte application seeking an interim injunction to forestall the impeachment proceedings already set in motion by the state assembly. However, Justice S.M Shaibu declined the application, ruling that the applicant did not satisfy the requirements for granting such orders. The court ordered the applicant to serve the respondents with the processes and adjourned the matter to April 16, 2026.
The impeachment notice was served by the state assembly after accusing Gwarzo of financial impropriety and abuse of office, giving him a two-week ultimatum to defend himself. The notice was moved by the majority leader, Hon. Lawan Husaini, representing Dala constituency, and signed by 38 lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and two members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Allegations and Denials
The impeachment move was based on several allegations related to Gwarzo's conduct while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and later as Deputy Governor. According to the notice, Gwarzo allegedly received kickbacks from the 44 local government councils in the state between June 2023 and January 2024, collecting about N1.5 million monthly from each council. This amounted to approximately N66 million per month and a total of N462 million within the seven-month period.
Additionally, the notice alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments totaling N726 million under the guise of executing special assignments for the councils. He was also accused of abusing his office by allegedly facilitating the release of N440 million from the 44 local government councils to Novomed Pharmaceuticals Limited in violation of state procurement and fiscal management laws.
In response, Gwarzo maintains his innocence, asserting that his resignation is a demonstration of statesmanship and a commitment to peace, political maturity, and avoiding unnecessary tensions that could hinder governance and development in the state. He plans to dedicate more time to the Kwankwasiyya Movement, focusing on strengthening its structures and engaging in political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
