Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The Kano State House of Assembly has formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, with 38 lawmakers endorsing a motion citing allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.The impeachment notice was presented during plenary by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala (also referred to as Husseini Lawan Dala in some reports), who stated that the action complies with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which governs the removal of a governor or deputy governor.

According to multiple sources, including Daily Trust and Daily Post, the allegations stem from Gwarzo's conduct during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor. Specific details of the charges were not fully enumerated in initial reports, but the notice accuses him of violations that amount to gross misconduct and misuse of authority.Dala reportedly moved that "His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, be impeached and removed from office" in line with constitutional provisions. The Speaker is expected to transmit the notice to the deputy governor, who will have 14 days to respond or defend himself before the House, as required by law. If the allegations are substantiated by a two-thirds majority vote after investigation (potentially involving a panel), the process could lead to his removal.The Kano State House of Assembly, dominated by members aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—who defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year—has 41 members in total. The endorsement by 38 lawmakers indicates strong support for the motion within the House.This development follows months of political tension in Kano. Earlier in 2026, rumors of impeachment plans surfaced amid Gwarzo's refusal to defect to the APC alongside the governor, leading him to remain loyal to NNPP national leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. In February, the Assembly's leadership, including spokespersons, repeatedly denied any ongoing impeachment plans, describing such reports as "baseless," "misleading," and intended to create tension. However, today's action marks a sharp reversal, with proceedings now officially underway.Gwarzo, who previously served in various capacities under the Yusuf administration, has not yet issued a public response to the impeachment notice as of this report. The deputy governor's office and NNPP state chapter could not be reached for immediate comment.The impeachment process, if it proceeds, would require a formal investigation and could culminate in a vote requiring at least two-thirds of the House (approximately 28 votes) to succeed. Legal experts note that deputy governors in Nigeria have faced similar proceedings in the past, often tied to political realignments or alleged misconduct.This is a developing story. Further details on the specific allegations, the deputy governor's defense, and the House's next steps are expected in the coming days as the constitutional timeline unfolds.