Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kano State House of Assembly has formally withdrawn its impeachment notice against former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, bringing to a close a high‑profile political dispute that has unfolded over the past month. Lawmakers announced the withdrawal during a plenary session on April 7, 2026, after concluding that further legislative action was unnecessary following Gwarzo’s voluntary resignation from office.
The impeachment process had begun in early March 2026 when the House of Assembly served Gwarzo with a notice of impeachment on allegations that included gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust. The notice, presented on March 5, 2026, was backed by 38 of the 40 lawmakers, with two members from the New Nigeria Peoples Party declining to endorse it. The Assembly’s action was said to be in compliance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for removing a sitting deputy governor.
Lawmakers initially alleged that Gwarzo had engaged in irregular conduct during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between June 2023 and January 2024. Accusations included claims that he received unapproved monthly payments from local government councils and facilitated the release of funds in contravention of fiscal regulations. These allegations formed the basis of the impeachment notice, which sought to hold him accountable for actions lawmakers said undermined public trust.
Gwarzo, who had been serving as deputy governor under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf since May 29, 2023, responded to the impeachment threat by seeking legal intervention. In late March 2026, he filed a petition at the Federal High Court seeking to halt the impeachment process, but the court declined to suspend the proceedings, leaving the legislative process to play out.
Amid mounting political pressure, Gwarzo opted to resign from his position. In a letter dated March 27, 2026 and addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, he formally tendered his voluntary resignation in line with constitutional provisions governing executive officeholders. The resignation effectively removed the constitutional basis for the impeachment, which applies only to persons holding the office of deputy governor.
During the plenary session where the impeachment notice was withdrawn, the Majority Leader of the Assembly explained that continuing to pursue a process aimed at removing someone no longer in office was unnecessary. He noted that the legislature’s remit ends with the removal of an occupant of office, and that any remaining accusations of misconduct should be directed to the appropriate anti‑corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Gwarzo’s resignation and the subsequent withdrawal of the impeachment notice come amid broader political reshuffling in Kano State’s dynamic political environment. Before and during the impeachment process, the state was experiencing realignments linked to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress. Gwarzo, a member of the NNPP, had refused to follow the governor’s switch, maintaining his alignment with the Kwankwasiyya political movement. Observers say this refusal deepened tensions between him and the ruling party’s state leadership.
Following his resignation, Gwarzo formally defected to the African Democratic Congress. His move to the opposition party was welcomed by former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, who praised the former deputy governor’s experience and predicted that his presence would strengthen the ADC’s political base in Kano and beyond. This defection is seen as significant in the context of 2027 general elections, as it reflects shifting loyalties and evolving alliances in one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states.
Since the Assembly withdrew the impeachment notice, civil society groups and political commentators have debated the implications for governance and accountability in the state. Some argue that the episode highlights the complexity of enforcing legislative oversight in an environment influenced by internal party dynamics and realignments. Others stress that allegations of misconduct, whether addressed through impeachment or resignation, underline the need for robust anti‑corruption mechanisms and transparent governance practices.
The withdrawal of the impeachment notice against Gwarzo leaves open questions about how allegations of gross misconduct and financial irregularities will be pursued. With legislative action concluded, the focus has shifted to potential inquiries by anti‑corruption bodies, though no announcements have yet been made regarding formal investigations by agencies such as the EFCC or ICPC. Analysts suggest that how these accusations are eventually addressed could influence public confidence in both the legislature and executive arms of government.
As Kano’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of future elections, the developments surrounding Gwarzo’s resignation and the Assembly’s action are likely to remain central features in discussions about political accountability, party loyalties and governance in the state.
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