Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, recently removed from his position as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has publicly shared his perspective on the reasons for his dismissal. Gwarzo, who was appointed earlier in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and dismissed any hard feelings about the decision, attributing it to Tinubu’s broader efforts to revamp his cabinet and adjust policies in line with public feedback.
He acknowledged that his removal was part of a reshuffle affecting five ministers, with Tinubu’s team asserting that the changes were informed by performance metrics and public perception, facilitated by technology-driven feedback on each minister’s impact.
Gwarzo’s supporters, however, view his removal as politically motivated, suggesting that influential figures in Kano, particularly one powerful politician, may have played a role. These supporters warn that Gwarzo’s removal could weaken APC’s standing in Kano, as he holds considerable grassroots support. The Congress of APC Youth Groups in Kano has voiced strong disapproval, suggesting that dismissing Gwarzo could harm APC’s chances in future elections due to his popularity in the region. They claim that the decision may not only weaken local support but also inadvertently empower opposition parties in the area.
Many analysts view the cabinet reshuffle as part of President Tinubu’s approach to ensuring his administration meets high expectations for governance and reforms, particularly in a context where public trust is fragile. The decision to remove Gwarzo and other ministers was reportedly influenced by a recent performance review by Hadiza Bala Usman, which collected public feedback through a digital platform to evaluate each minister’s effectiveness.
By focusing on public sentiment and performance data, Tinubu’s administration aimed to address any gaps in governance and adapt swiftly to ensure policy goals remain on track. Supporters of the reshuffle argue that it reflects a commitment to merit-based governance, intending to place capable individuals in roles where they can maximize impact and meet the evolving demands of the Nigerian public.
However, others have criticized the reshuffle, suggesting it may undermine political stability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in certain regions. Some political observers argue that dismissing figures like Gwarzo, who enjoy strong local support, could alienate key voter bases, especially in Northern states. Given Gwarzo’s influence and connections in Kano, his removal is seen by some as a risk to APC’s cohesion and future electoral success in the region. As Nigeria prepares for critical local elections, maintaining unity within the APC is crucial, and Gwarzo’s supporters warn that moves perceived as unjust or politically motivated could backfire, diminishing Tinubu’s influence in Northern states where regional loyalty and political networks are pivotal.
