Tinubu’s Decision to Remove Gwarzo as Minister of State: Political Motives Behind the Move

Abdullahi Gwarzo, the former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has spoken out about his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu, revealing that he believes the decision was politically driven rather than based on any failure in his ministerial duties. In an interview with BBC Hausa on November 9, 2024, Gwarzo explained that he was shocked by the dismissal, especially since no formal charges or performance issues were cited as reasons for his exit.

The former minister confirmed that President Tinubu had informed him about the decision ahead of the official announcement. He was told that the reason for his removal was to balance political representation in Kano State, as the region was already “overloaded with political officers.” Gwarzo, however, found this explanation unconvincing, noting that there were underlying political factors at play.

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In his view, Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Kano State, should have been appointed as his replacement. Gwarzo argued that, given Gawuna’s prominent role as a party leader in Kano Central, he was the logical choice for the position. He further stated that if Gawuna had declined the offer, then the ministerial slot could have been filled by another candidate.

The reshuffle, which took place on October 23, 2024, saw Gwarzo’s dismissal alongside other ministers, including Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development). Despite this, Gwarzo remains convinced that political maneuvering, rather than any professional shortcomings, was behind his removal.