It Was Politically Motivated – Gwarzo Reacts to His Dismissal by Tinubu
Abdullahi Gwarzo, the immediate past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has alleged that his dismissal from President Bola Tinubu during the recent cabinet reshuffle, was politically motivated rather than a result of any performance-related issues.
On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu sacked five ministers, and reassigned 10 to other ministries, while seven were appointed.
However, Gwarzo expressed surprise at the decision, claiming he had not been found guilty of any wrongdoing or underperformance during his tenure.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, November 9, 2024, Gwarzo said, “I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance. I had been doing my job, and there was no reason given for my dismissal that made sense to me.
” He went on to explain that before the announcement of his removal on October 23, 2024, President Tinubu had informed him that the decision was driven by a need to balance the political representation from Kano State, particularly in Kano North, which, according to the President, had become “overloaded with political officers.”
Despite the explanation, Gwarzo expressed skepticism about the rationale. “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,” he said, implying that there may have been other political factors at play.
One of the key points Gwarzo raised was his belief that Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Kano State, should have been considered for his replacement. Gwarzo argued that Gawuna, as the APC leader in Kano Central, was the natural choice for the ministerial slot if it was indeed intended for that region.
“If the ministerial slot is 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?” Gwarzo said. “Gawuna should be offered the role first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else.”
He also pointed out the pattern of APC governorship candidates from other states, such as Plateau and Zamfara, who had been appointed to ministerial roles following their electoral bids.
“All other candidates from Plateau and Zamfara states who contested for the governorships were appointed to positions,” he noted.
Gwarzo’s dismissal was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced by President Tinubu on October 23, 2024. Alongside Gwarzo, four other ministers were let go, including Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Minister of Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Minister of Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Minister of Education), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Minister of Youth Development).
Yusuf Ata was subsequently appointed as the new Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, although Gwarzo’s comments have raised questions about the political dynamics behind the reshuffle and the choices made for key positions.
