Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, is reportedly considering resigning ahead of the ongoing impeachment process against him, sources who spoke with this paper on condition of anonymity have revealed.
The sources said the potential resignation may be aimed at avoiding the consequences of being removed from office by the State House of Assembly.
“He is exploring options to safeguard his political future and avoid the stigma of an impeachment,” one insider said.
The deputy governor’s relationship with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reportedly soured following the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Gwarzo chose to remain with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The NNPP recently experienced internal turmoil after an Abuja court returned control of the party structure to its founder, Mr. Boniface, leaving the faction aligned with former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in disarray.
“If he resigns, it could either make or mar his 2027 political prospects, but it may also earn him some public sympathy,” the source added.
The development comes after Governor Yusuf scrapped the ministry previously overseen by Gwarzo, who also doubled as Commissioner for Higher Education. The ministry managed the state’s controversial foreign scholarship scheme.
Gwarzo is currently facing an impeachment notice from the State House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. The notice was served at plenary after a motion moved by the majority leader, Lawan Hussaini.
Mr. Hussaini said the impeachment proceedings followed a petition submitted by the Executive against Gwarzo over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
Reading the petition, Mr. Hussaini stated that the notice complies with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The petition lists the following allegations:
Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million.
Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
Abuse of Office: He allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.
Gross Misconduct: His actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.
Mr. Hussaini stated that based on the evidence presented, Gwarzo should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.
He added that the deputy governor has a 14-day window to present his defence, and if the allegations are proven, the Assembly would remove him from office. According to the lawmaker, 38 out of the 40 lawmakers signed the notice, well above the required two-thirds majority.
Efforts to reach the deputy governor for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
