BREAKING: Kano assembly begins impeachment process against deputy gov

The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, the deputy governor of the state, over alleged misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.

The impeachment notice was presented on the floor of the house by Lawan Dala, majority leader and read by the speaker, Ismail Falgore, during plenary.

A total of 38 lawmakers signed the notice.

The lawmakers noted that the move is based on Section 188 of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999), which empowers a state legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a deputy governor accused of gross misconduct.

According to the lawmakers, the allegations relate to Abdulsalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current position as deputy governor.

They accused him of participating in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils while serving as commissioner.

They claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdulsalam allegedly received ₦1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local governments. This reportedly amounted to ₦66 million per month, totaling ₦462 million over seven months.

The lawmakers further alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received ₦3.255 million monthly from each local government under the guise of “special assignments,” amounting to about ₦726 million in six months. They alleged payments violated principles of transparency and accountability expected from public office holders.

The impeachment notice also accused Abdulsalam of facilitating payments of ₦10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.

According to the lawmakers, the transaction—amounting to ₦440 million—was allegedly executed in violation 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.

Speaker Falgore has directed that Abdulsalam be formally served, in line with constitutional procedures.

As of the time of filing this report, Deputy Governor Abdulsalam has 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 reportedly declined to follow the governor in the defection, opting instead to remain with the NNPP.

His decision is said to have deepened divisions within the state government, fuelling speculation about his political future and paving the way for the current impeachment process.