The Kano State commissioner for information and internal affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, has advised Aminu Gwarzo, the deputy governor, to consider stepping down if he can no longer maintain political alignment with Governor Abba Yusuf.
Yusuf recently resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Waiya warned that political differences at the highest level of government could undermine trust, unity and effective governance, particularly as the deputy governor also holds the position of commissioner for higher education.
He made the remarks during a live programme on Muhasa Radio while responding to reports that Gwarzo remained loyal to the Kwankwasiyya movement led by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following 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.
According to him, governance thrives on shared vision and mutual trust, cautioning that mistrust during executive council meetings could stall development.
“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 individual political ambitions, including possible governorship interests, could be shaping Gwarzo’s stance in Kano’s highly competitive political environment.
“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.
He added that he would personally resign under similar circumstances to pursue his political ambitions transparently.
“It is his decision; if he believes he can continue to work with the governor under the present circumstances, then that is fine,” Waiya said.
“But if I were in that position, I would have left the office and faced my political journey clearly and openly.”