Constitutional Friction: The Case for Impeachment Amidst Executive Paralysis
By Mohammed Babagana Abubakar
Email: aunodigitalabuba@gmail.com
March 14, 2026
The 38th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of Kano State, held on March 12, was intended to be a forum for governance. Instead, it became a crime scene of administrative neglect. The conspicuous absence of the Deputy Governor, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, despite official notice, has moved the conversation from political disagreement to a clear cut case of gross misconduct.
Under Section 188 (11) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), gross misconduct is defined as a grave violation of the law or any conduct that, in the opinion of the House of Assembly, amounts to such.
By absenting himself from the highest policy making body of the state, the Deputy Governor is not merely protesting the Governor’s move to the APC, he is actively obstructing the execution of government business. This is a betrayal of the Joint Ticket doctrine. The Nigerian electorate did not vote for two independent rulers, but for a unified team. When one half of that team deliberately withdraws their cooperation, the resulting paralysis constitutes a fundamental breach of public trust.
Beyond his role as Deputy, Gwarzo continues to hold the portfolio of Commissioner for Higher Education. This dual responsibility makes his absence twice as damaging.
As Deputy Governor, he has failed in his primary duty to assist the Governor in the administration of the state.
As Commissioner, he has abandoned the millions of students and educational stakeholders whose future depends on the approvals and policies debated at the SEC.
While several of his colleagues honorable men and women resigned their positions when their political path diverged from the Governor’s, Gwarzo has chosen to remain in office like a clog in the wheel. To hold a cabinet position while refusing to attend cabinet meetings is the height of administrative hypocrisy.
The Kano State House of Assembly has already initiated impeachment proceedings, and the grounds are becoming clearer by the day. Allegations of financial impropriety totaling ₦1.6 billion and unauthorized LG fund diversions already hang over his head. When coupled with this recent abandonment of his executive duties, the case for his removal is no longer just political it is a constitutional necessity.
Patriotism is measured by what one is willing to sacrifice for the state. If Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo truly has the interest of Kano at heart, he would have either aligned with the new administrative direction or resigned to allow a replacement who can work in harmony with the Governor.
By doing neither, he has invited the constitutional nuclear option. Impeachment is not a tool of malice, it is a safeguard for the people. Kano cannot afford to be governed by an absentee Deputy whose loyalty lies with a political movement rather than the mandate of his office. The House must act to end this paralysis.
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