Gwarzo Reveals Reasons Behind His Removal As Minister Of State

Abdullahi Gwarzo, the recently dismissed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has asserted that his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu was politically motivated rather than a reflection of his performance. Gwarzo, who served under the senior minister responsible for overseeing most ministry operations, shared his views in a recent interview with BBC Hausa, expressing his surprise and disappointment over the decision.

Gwarzo’s dismissal came as part of a larger cabinet reshuffle announced in a State House release on October 23, 2024, which saw four other ministers removed, including Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development). Gwarzo explained that President Tinubu had informed him of the decision in advance, citing a need to balance political representation in Kano, specifically noting that Kano North had an abundance of political appointees. However, Gwarzo felt this reasoning was insufficient and suspected that other political figures may have influenced the decision.

The former minister suggested that Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Kano State governorship election, would be a more suitable replacement if the ministerial position is intended for Kano Central. Gwarzo emphasized Gawuna’s leadership within Kano Central, arguing that the role should be offered to him first. “If the ministerial slot is indeed meant for Kano Central, we have our 2023 governorship candidate, who is also our leader in Kano Central. Why not consider giving him the position?” he asked, adding that Gawuna should be prioritized unless he declines.

Gwarzo also pointed out that several APC governorship candidates from other states, including Plateau and Zamfara, were appointed to significant positions following the 2023 elections. His comments highlight ongoing discussions within APC circles about fair political representation and the distribution of ministerial appointments, especially in key northern states.

As the reshuffling continues to reshape Tinubu’s administration, Gwarzo’s call reflects deeper concerns about political balance within the party and the influence of regional interests in federal appointments.