By John Umeh
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has stepped down from office following mounting pressure from an impeachment process initiated by the Kano State House of Assembly.
Gwarzo’s resignation was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammad. The statement explained that the deputy governor took the decision in the interest of maintaining peace and ensuring stability in the state’s governance.
According to the movement, the resignation should not be viewed as an admission of the allegations levelled against him by lawmakers. Instead, it described the move as a sacrifice made to prevent political tension and allow government activities to proceed without distraction.
The statement also noted that the deputy governor had faced circumstances that limited his ability to effectively discharge his duties, prompting his decision to vacate the office. Despite stepping down, Gwarzo insisted he remains innocent of all allegations and maintained that his public service record reflects commitment and integrity.
Following his resignation, Gwarzo is expected to focus on strengthening the Kwankwasiyya Movement, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group said he would concentrate on reorganising political structures, engaging stakeholders, and repositioning the movement for future contests.
Before resigning, Gwarzo had approached the Federal High Court in Kano, seeking an injunction to stop the impeachment process. However, the presiding judge, Justice S.M. Shaibu, declined to grant the request, ruling that the applicant failed to meet the requirements for an interim order.
The court directed that all parties be served with the relevant documents and adjourned the case until April 16, 2026, for further proceedings.
The impeachment process was initiated after 38 lawmakers, mostly from the All Progressives Congress, signed a notice accusing the deputy governor of financial misconduct and abuse of office. The motion was presented by Majority Leader Lawan Husaini, who represents Dala constituency.
The lawmakers cited Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for removing a deputy governor from office.
Among the allegations were claims that Gwarzo received monthly kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils between June 2023 and January 2024. Lawmakers alleged he collected about ₦1.5 million from each council, totalling approximately ₦462 million within seven months.
The notice also accused him of receiving an additional ₦726 million between February and July 2024 for purported special assignments.
Furthermore, the deputy governor was accused of facilitating the release of ₦440 million from local government funds to Novomed Pharmaceuticals Limited, allegedly in violation of procurement regulations.
Gwarzo’s resignation effectively halts the impeachment proceedings and signals a new phase in Kano’s political landscape as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 elections.
