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Ibrahim Waiya, the Kano commissioner for information and internal affairs, has called on Aminu Gwarzo, the deputy governor, to step down if he can no longer align politically with Abba Yusuf, the governor.
Yusuf recently resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Waiya noted that political divergence at the top could erode trust, unity, and effective governance, especially as the deputy governor also serves as commissioner for higher education.
He spoke during a live programme on Muhasa Radio while addressing reports that Gwarzo remained loyal to the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-governor of Kano, after Yusuf’s defection.
“What we are hoping for, just as some commissioners who felt uncomfortable with the new direction resigned, is that the deputy governor should take an honourable step if he is no longer on the same political path with the governor,” Waiya said.
He said governance depends on shared purpose and trust, warning that suspicion in executive council meetings could hinder progress.
“If you sit in an Executive Council meeting discussing how to build Kano and there is suspicion about where discussions may lead, then there is a problem. Governance is about trust,” he added.
Waiya suggested that personal political ambitions, including possible governorship aspirations, might be influencing Gwarzo’s position in Kano’s competitive political landscape.
“There is nothing wrong with having ambition. However, when personal interests conflict with the direction of government, the most honourable option is to step aside and pursue those goals independently,” he said.
Waiya said he would personally resign in such circumstances to pursue his political journey openly.
“It is his decision; if he believes he can continue to work with the governor under the present circumstances, then that is fine,” the commissioner said.
“But if I were in that position, I would have left the office and faced my political journey clearly and openly.”
