My dismissal from Tinubu’s cabinet was politically motivated – Gwarzo

The immediate past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, has claimed that his recent dismissal by President Bola Tinubu was driven by political considerations, rather than any inadequacies in his performance.

Gwarzo, who had served in the role until his removal, expressed his belief that the President’s decision was influenced by internal political dynamics.

Speaking about his replacement, Gwarzo suggested that Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kano State, would have been a better choice to take over the position. Instead, President Tinubu appointed Yusuf Ata as the new Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

The dismissals came in an announcement from the State House on October 23, 2024, which revealed that Gwarzo was among five ministers relieved of their duties.

However, in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, November 9, 2024, Gwarzo stated, “I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance. And I was minister of state, with the senior minister overseeing a large portion of the ministry’s activities.

“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 for the governorships were appointed to positions,” Gwarzo added.