Kano deputy gov Gwarzo asked to resign over refusal to join APC

Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is facing increasing pressure to step down from office following his decision not to align politically with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reported move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The growing calls for his resignation were made public by the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a radio programme aired in the state.

Speaking on the programme, Waiya suggested that Gwarzo’s refusal to follow the governor into the APC raises questions about political loyalty and alignment within the state’s leadership.

He said the deputy governor can no longer remain in office while belonging to a different political party from the governor.

Waiya explained that the governor and his deputy were elected on the same ticket and must remain politically aligned to preserve unity in government. He argued that loyalty to the same party is part of the mandate given by the electorate.

According to him, the decision of Governor Yusuf to defect to the APC has changed the political structure of the administration, and all top officials are expected to follow the new direction.

“The system of a governor and deputy governor is one ticket; they move together,” Waiya said.

“The governor chooses his running mate, so they are expected to stay on the same path and in the same party.”

The commissioner stated that remaining in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) while the governor has moved to the APC creates political division and weakens governance.

He said resignation would be the most responsible action if the deputy governor does not agree with the governor’s political choice.

“If someone says he will not follow this journey, then we expect him to resign,” the commissioner stated.

“If you say you don’t agree with your leader, your integrity should guide you to step down.”

Waiya also linked the recent political shift to the long-standing Kano Emirate crisis. He suggested that the governor’s defection could bring stability and help end internal disputes affecting traditional institutions in the state.

He expressed confidence that unity within the government would speed up reconciliation efforts and restore calm in Kano’s traditional leadership structure.

“I assure you that very soon, the Kano government will resolve the issue of the Kano Emirate because we are now one,” he said.

He further disclosed that some traditional rulers may step aside or accept reconciliation as part of the peace process.