KANO, Nigeria — The political alliance that dominates Kano State is facing its biggest test yet as the Kwankwasiyya Movement issued a scathing warning to the State House of Assembly and the executive arm to halt ongoing moves to impeach Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the movement’s spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Saleh Mohammed (Mai Lemo), cautioned that any attempt to forcibly remove the Deputy Governor would be viewed as a betrayal of the popular mandate and a recipe for deep-seated political instability.
“A Political Execution”
The movement did not mince words, describing the impeachment process as a “troubling” development driven by political survival rather than constitutional duty. According to Mai Lemo, the move feels more like a tool for “settling political disagreements” than a genuine pursuit of justice.
“The people of Kano are closely watching,” the statement read. “There is growing concern that the impeachment move may be driven more by political considerations than by genuine constitutional necessity.”
The Mandate Argument
Central to the movement’s defense is the reminder that the current administration didn’t get to power alone. The spokesperson emphasized that the 2023 victory was built on the “sacrifices, loyalty, and unity” of thousands of Kwankwasiyya faithful across the 44 local government areas.
The group warned that targeting key figures within the administration sends a dangerous message to the supporters who worked to secure the electoral victory. “Political authority should never be used in a way that creates the impression of abandoning the alliances and loyalties that built the movement,” Saleh added.
Tension in the Assembly
The warning comes at a time of heightened tension within the Kano State House of Assembly. While lawmakers maintain they are exercising their constitutional oversight, critics argue the move is a targeted purge aimed at reorganizing the state’s power structure ahead of future political cycles.
Mai Lemo urged the lawmakers to act with “wisdom and independence,” reminding them that their authority comes from the electorate, who may ultimately deliver a verdict at the polls if the government is seen as “unjust or vindictive.”
The Bottom Line
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, known for its fierce loyalty to the “Red Cap” ideology, has now officially drawn a line in the sand. By backing Gwarzo, the group is signaling a major internal rift that could redefine Kano’s political landscape in the coming months.
For now, all eyes are on the State Assembly to see if they will heed this warning or proceed with a move that could set the state on a path of unprecedented political friction.
