Concerns over political loyalty within Kano State have continued to ignite public concerns , as the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has suggested that the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, should consider stepping aside if he can no longer politically align with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Waiya made his position known during a live radio interview on Muhasa Radio, where he addressed questions surrounding reports that the deputy governor intends to remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, despite the governor’s recent political shift.
According to the commissioner, unity of purpose is essential for effective governance, particularly at the highest levels of government where trust and shared ideology play a critical role.
He argued that holding a senior government position while pursuing a different political direction could create suspicion and weaken decision-making processes.
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“What we are hoping for, just as we saw with some commissioners who felt uncomfortable and resigned, is that the deputy governor should also take an honourable step if he is no longer on the same political path with the governor,” Waiya said.
He further warned that mistrust within the Executive Council could undermine efforts to govern effectively.
“If you sit in an Executive Council meeting where people are discussing how to build Kano and there is suspicion about where such discussions may end up, then there is a problem. Governance is about trust,” he added.
Waiya also pointed to the competitive nature of Kano politics, suggesting that personal political ambition may be shaping the deputy governor’s stance.
“Many people have aspirations, including to become governor. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but if interests begin to conflict with the direction of government, the most honourable option is to step aside and pursue those goals independently,” he said.
Despite his remarks, the commissioner acknowledged that the final decision lies with the deputy governor himself and that remaining in office is ultimately a personal choice.
“It is his decision. If he believes he can continue to work with the governor under the present circumstances, then that is fine. But if I were in that position, I would have left and faced my political journey clearly,” Waiya stated.
He concluded by reiterating that the current administration remains committed to what he described as the “Kano First” agenda, stressing that loyalty to the state’s development priorities should outweigh individual ambitions or factional allegiances.
