Gwarzo Demands Proof as Kano Government Makes Fund Diversion Claims

Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress candidate for Kano governor, has rejected accusations that local government money was illegally redirected, calling on state authorities to substantiate their claims. The former deputy governor said the allegations originated from a statement by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Batur Dawakin Tofa, who alleged that funds belonging to local government councils passed through Gwarzo's son, Mujahid Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Through his spokesman Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Gwarzo characterized the accusations as false and without foundation. He described the allegations as an attempt to damage his reputation and stated they lacked any factual basis.

Gwarzo maintained that the burden of proof rests with those making the claims and demanded that the state government present verifiable, credible evidence to back up what he termed mere fabrication. The dispute centers on how local government funds were managed or distributed, with the governor's office making the initial accusation.

Gwarzo's response, issued on Thursday according to the sources, frames the matter as a political attack designed to undermine his credibility ahead of the gubernatorial election. He emphasized his track record during his time as deputy governor and asserted that the allegations carry no legitimate foundation.

The Kano State government has not publicly responded to Gwarzo's challenge for evidence. The controversy adds another dimension to the state's political environment, where questions about financial management and local government administration have become part of the campaign discourse.

No details have been disclosed regarding how much money the authorities allege was diverted or over what timeframe the alleged diversions occurred.