Kano Assembly Begins Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor Abdulsalam-Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, the deputy governor of Kano State, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The impeachment notice was presented on the floor of the House by Majority Leader Lawan Dala and read during plenary by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.
A total of 38 lawmakers appended their signatures to the notice.
The Assembly said the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), which empowers a state legislature to commence impeachment proceedings against a deputy governor accused of gross misconduct.
According to the lawmakers, the allegations stem from Abdulsalam-Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.
They accused him of being involved in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils during his time as commissioner.
The notice alleges that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdulsalam-Gwarzo received ?1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local government areas, amounting to ?66 million every month and a total of ?462 million over seven months.
Lawmakers further claimed that from February to July 2024, he allegedly received ?3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of “special assignments.” The payments reportedly totalled about ?726 million within six months.
According to the Assembly, the payments violated principles of transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.
The notice also accused the deputy governor of facilitating payments of ?10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. Lawmakers said the transaction, valued at ?440 million, was carried out in breach of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala told the Assembly while presenting the notice.
Speaker Falgore subsequently directed that the deputy governor be formally served with the impeachment notice in accordance with constitutional procedures.
As of the time of filing this report, Abdulsalam-Gwarzo had not publicly responded to the allegations.
The development comes amid rising political tensions in Kano following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress last year.
Abdulsalam-Gwarzo reportedly declined to follow the governor to the APC, choosing instead to remain in the NNPP — a decision that has reportedly deepened divisions within the state government and intensified speculation about his political future.