Sacked-minister blasts Tinubu’s appointment of his successor

Former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Yusuf Ata as his successor.

Gwarzo, who was recently relieved of his ministerial duties in a cabinet reshuffle that saw the dismissal of five ministers, expressed his disappointment over the political direction taken in Kano State.

In an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, Gwarzo argued that the appointment could have been better aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s strategic goals in Kano Central. He suggested that Nasiru Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 Kano governorship candidate and a prominent figure in Kano Central, would have been a more impactful choice to strengthen the party’s standing in the region.

Gwarzo clarified that his removal was not a result of poor performance, adding that his role as a minister of state meant he operated under the senior minister, who oversaw the bulk of the ministry’s operations. “I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance,” Gwarzo said, noting that he had received prior notice of the decision from the president. Tinubu had informed him that the decision was intended to “strike a balance” within Kano’s political representation, as the Kano North senatorial district was seen as “overloaded with political officers.”

However, Gwarzo hinted that there might be more behind his dismissal, describing it as politically motivated. “From there, I began to suspect that some people are behind this because, for me, that wasn’t a valid reason,” he added.

He further argued that Gawuna, as a prominent figure in Kano Central, should have been considered for the ministerial role to maintain his influence and support within the region. “Gawuna should be offered the position first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else,” Gwarzo suggested, pointing out that APC candidates from other states, such as Plateau and Zamfara, had been offered similar roles after their elections.

Despite his concerns, Gwarzo expressed acceptance of the president’s decision and pledged his ongoing support for Tinubu’s administration.