Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, recently dismissed as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has raised concerns about possible political motives behind his unexpected removal from office. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Gwarzo expressed surprise over his dismissal, emphasizing that he was not accused of any misconduct or poor performance.

“I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance,” Gwarzo stated. He noted that, as the Minister of State, his role was largely secondary to the senior minister overseeing the ministry’s core responsibilities, making the decision even more puzzling.

Gwarzo revealed that President Bola Tinubu had personally informed him of the decision before it was publicly announced, explaining that the move aimed to balance political representation among different regions. According to Gwarzo, Tinubu mentioned that Kano North had an “overload” of political appointments, necessitating a redistribution to ensure regional balance. However, Gwarzo found this reasoning unconvincing and began to suspect political interference.

Reflecting on his potential replacement, Gwarzo suggested that the position should go to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, APC’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate for Kano State, as a matter of political strategy. “If the ministerial slot is intended for Kano Central, then Gawuna, who is our leader there, should be given the opportunity first,” Gwarzo argued, adding that if Gawuna were to decline, then other candidates could be considered.

Gwarzo’s statements have sparked discussions around the influence of regional politics in federal appointments, highlighting the ongoing complexities of balancing political interests in government roles.