Ex-Minister Gwarzo Criticizes Tinubu’s Cabinet Move: Yusuf Ata Overlooked My Qualifications

Ex-Minister Gwarzo Criticizes Tinubu’s Cabinet Move: Yusuf Ata Overlooked My Qualifications

Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has expressed disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Yusuf Ata as his replacement, calling it a political error. Gwarzo’s remarks come after a recent…CONTINUE READING…

cabinet reshuffle in which President Tinubu removed him and four other ministers, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the changes.

Speaking with the BBC Hausa service, Gwarzo suggested that his removal was not due to any performance issues but was instead the result of political maneuvering within party circles in Kano. “I was taken aback because I wasn’t accused of any wrongdoing or poor performance,” Gwarzo explained, noting that as a minister of state, most of the key responsibilities in his ministry were handled by the senior minister.

Gwarzo revealed that President Tinubu had informed him in advance, stating that a reshuffle was necessary to address the political balance in Kano North, where there were too many appointees. Despite providing input, Gwarzo felt that these concerns were ignored. “That made me suspect there were other political influences at play, as the explanation seemed unconvincing,” he said.

Gwarzo also pointed out that the logical choice for the position should have been Nasiru Gawuna, the APC’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate and a prominent figure in Kano Central. He questioned why Gawuna was overlooked, especially since similar appointments in other states had gone to former gubernatorial candidates.

“If the ministerial role was truly meant for Kano Central, then Mr. Gawuna should have been the first choice,” Gwarzo asserted. “Only if he declined should another candidate have been considered.” He further emphasized that Gawuna’s political position was better suited for managing the region’s political affairs, unlike some of his counterparts in Plateau and Zamfara who were appointed to significant roles.