Kano Governor Yusuf Alleges Former Deputy Gwarzo Plotted to Topple Him
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has publicly addressed the political tension that reportedly existed between him and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, prior to Gwarzo's resignation. Governor Yusuf, who assumed office on a joint ticket with Gwarzo in 2023, made serious allegations during a meeting with a political group loyal to him at the Government House in Kano.
Allegations of a Failed Plot
Governor Yusuf claimed that there was a deliberate plot by the former deputy governor to remove him from office. He stated that he was not aware of Gwarzo's resignation and had not received any official resignation letter, adding a layer of intrigue to the political drama. Although Yusuf did not provide specific details about the alleged conspiracy, he insisted that the attempt to unseat him ultimately failed.
"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," Yusuf declared emphatically.
Confidence in Governance and Replacement
The governor expressed unwavering confidence in his mandate, asserting that no individual, regardless of their status, could remove him from office before the completion of his tenure. He maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering good governance despite the political tensions. Yusuf also revealed that he is satisfied with Gwarzo's exit, describing it as an opportunity for a credible replacement, and noted that credible individuals have already shown interest in filling the vacant deputy governor position.
Response to Kwankwasiyya Movement Criticism
In addition to addressing the allegations against Gwarzo, Governor Yusuf reacted to criticism from the Kwankwasiyya movement, which accused him of betrayal following his departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He argued that recent defections of some members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have exposed contradictions within the group.
Yusuf pointed out that those accusing him of betrayal had themselves made similar political choices in the past, highlighting what he described as a lack of internal party democracy in previous decision-making processes. According to him, his actions were driven by the need to avoid uncertainty for the people of Kano State, insisting that efforts to resolve internal party disagreements were ignored.
"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 explained.
Vindication and Political Realignments
Governor Yusuf further stated that recent political developments have vindicated his position, adding that earlier warnings he issued before leaving the NNPP have come to pass. He also criticized what he described as attempts to elevate new political actors over longstanding members of the movement, questioning the ongoing political realignments within the group. This statement underscores the deepening rifts and strategic maneuvers within Kano's political landscape, as Yusuf positions himself against both former allies and critics.
