Abdullahi Gwarzo, the former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has shared that his recent removal by President Bola Tinubu was influenced by political considerations rather than his job performance.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on November 9, Gwarzo expressed surprise at his dismissal, pointing out that he had not been accused of any misconduct or poor performance in office.
Gwarzo was removed on October 23, 2024, alongside four other ministers: the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye; the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John; the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; and the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim. Yusuf Ata was subsequently appointed as his replacement.
The former minister mentioned that President Tinubu had informed him of the decision before the official announcement. According to Gwarzo, Tinubu explained that Kano North, his constituency, had too many political officers, which he said needed balancing.
Gwarzo, however, questioned this reason, suggesting there may have been other political influences at play. “Before the announcement, the President had informed me of his decision.
“He said Kano North was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to strike a balance. We gave our advice, but it was ignored. From there, I began to suspect that certain individuals were behind this because, to me, that wasn’t a valid reason.”
The former minister remarked that Gawuna, as the party’s leader in Kano Central, should be considered for the ministerial position.
“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?
“Gawuna should be offered the role first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else.
“All other candidates from Plateau and Zamfara states who contested
