Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, the former minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Yusuf Ata as his successor. Gwarzo believes this choice reflects a miscalculation on the president’s part, particularly in the context of political strategy. He claims that a more suitable candidate for the position would have been Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-bearer in the 2023 governorship election. Gwarzo argues that selecting Gawuna could have strengthened the party’s standing in Kano Central.
In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa service, Gwarzo shared his feelings of surprise and disappointment regarding his dismissal, which occurred alongside four other ministers in a cabinet reshuffle. He emphasized that his removal was not a result of any wrongdoing or inadequate performance in his role as minister. Instead, he suggested that political maneuvering by certain influential figures within the party in Kano played a significant role in his ousting.
Gwarzo recounted that prior to the announcement of his dismissal, President Tinubu had informed him of his decision, citing an overload of political officers from Kano North as the reason for the change. Gwarzo expressed skepticism about this rationale, indicating that he believed there were ulterior motives at play. He felt that the explanation given by the president did not adequately justify the decision to remove him from his position.
During the interview, Gwarzo highlighted that if the ministerial slot was to be allocated to Kano Central, it would make sense to consider Nasiru Gawuna for the role. He pointed out that Gawuna, as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, holds significant influence in the region and could effectively manage the responsibilities associated with the position. Gwarzo questioned why Gawuna was not given priority for the appointment.
Furthermore, Gwarzo argued that Gawuna’s current position is insufficient for him to manage his political structures effectively. He suggested that Gawuna should be offered the ministerial role first and that if he declined, the position could then be extended to another suitable candidate. This approach, according to Gwarzo, would ensure that the party maintains strong leadership in Kano Central.
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Gwarzo also noted that other candidates from different states who contested in the elections had been appointed to various positions, which further reinforced his belief that Gawuna should have been considered for the ministerial role. He pointed out that the appointments of candidates from states like Plateau and Zamfara indicate a disparity in how political opportunities are being distributed within the party.
In conclusion, Gwarzo’s comments reflect a broader concern about the political dynamics within the APC and the implications of leadership decisions on the party’s future. His advocacy for Gawuna underscores the importance of strategic appointments in enhancing the party’s fortunes, particularly in key regions like Kano Central. Gwarzo’s experience serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in political leadership and the need for careful consideration of candidate selection.
Ultimately, Gwarzo’s insights shed light on the intricate interplay between politics and governance, emphasizing the significance of aligning leadership choices with the party’s overall objectives. His call for a reconsideration of the appointment process highlights the potential consequences of political decisions on party unity and effectiveness in the face of evolving electoral challenges.
