Rejoinder by Hon. Seyi Olorunsola, APC Stalwart in Kano
It is disheartening to hear the remarks credited to the former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, following his removal from office.
His recent interview with BBC Hausa suggests a tone and stance beneath his stature as a former minister who was entrusted with a position in the President’s cabinet.
As someone who had the privilege to serve under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gwarzo’s public dissatisfaction over his removal—claiming it was due to misguided political considerations—seems ungracious, especially given the President’s clear and valid rationale.
Firstly, it is notable that the President courteously gave him advance notice of the decision, citing the concentration of political appointments in Kano North as a reason for his replacement.
This is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to balance and equity, principles that should be celebrated, not critiqued.
For Gwarzo to imply that the President overlooked his advice to appoint Dr. Nasiru Gawuna, the APC gubernatorial candidate during the 2023 Elections in Kano, is, in effect, to question the President’s judgment. It is worth remembering that the ultimate responsibility of any appointment rests with the President, who must weigh all advice but is by no means bound by it.
Having said that, it is also curious to question why Abdullahi Gwarzo did not reject his appointment when it was first made last year; was his preferred candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna not available for the appointment at that time?
It would have made a lot of sense if he had conceded that slot to Gawuna when President Tinubu called on him to serve as a minister. It is so uncharitable for him to have insinuated that the President made a wrong choice by relieving him of his position and appointing someone else besides his preferred candidate.
Moreover, Gwarzo’s assertion that his removal was political is, by itself, neither surprising nor unwarranted.
Ministerial appointments, by their nature, are political. Unlike civil service positions, these appointments are rooted in strategic, often political, considerations, reflecting the President’s vision and strategy for governance.
Therefore, the choice of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Gwarzo’s replacement is not only a well-calculated political decision but also one that aligns with the President’s objective of fostering political balance and stability.
This choice has invigorated the party’s standing in Kano, countering the tactics of the opposition and reinforcing the APC’s unity and strength.
It is important to underscore the widespread support for Ata’s appointment across Kano’s political landscape.
Leaders like the former Kano State Governor, now APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Deputy Governor Dr. Gawuna, and the Deputy Senate President Senator Barau have all applauded the President for his astute demonstration of political sagacity for the appointment.
Outside the political sphere, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ata enjoys the goodwill of respected elder statesmen in and around Kano, and that is why important personalities such as Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Mallam Tanko Yakasai have all acknowledged Ata as a worthy candidate.
The overwhelming welcome he received upon his home-coming visit to Kano speaks volumes about the confidence the people have in his leadership and the President’s choice.
In light of this, it would be in Gwarzo’s best interest to rally behind the new minister and work collaboratively to strengthen the APC.
These are crucial times for the party in Kano and the country, with momentum building as we approach upcoming elections. By supporting Rt. Hon. Ata, Gwarzo can contribute positively to the APC’s objectives in Kano and the nation.
President Tinubu’s decision is both astute and forward-thinking, and it is incumbent on party members like Gwarzo to support it wholeheartedly.
We stand at a pivotal moment for the APC’s trajectory in Kano, and unity is essential to continue on this path toward victory.
