The Kano State Government has issued a firm rebuttal to allegations of corruption raised by former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Baffa Bichi, stating categorically that his dismissal was not solely based on health reasons, as earlier reported, but stemmed from a combination of factors including political and administrative concerns.
Bichi, who served in the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf until his removal in March 2024, recently made headlines in a widely circulated video in which he accused the Yusuf-led government of engaging in massive corruption. According to him, the level of alleged mismanagement under the current government far surpasses that of the immediate past administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“What we alleged about Ganduje’s government while on the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) platform has now been multiplied tenfold. We have evidence, and I can assure you that we will unseat them in 2027,” Bichi declared in the video.
However, the Kano State Government, through its Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Garba Waiya, responded on Friday, describing the claims as “baseless, politically motivated, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.”
Waiya dismissed Bichi’s comments as an attempt to distract the public from the government’s development strides and accused the former SSG of deliberately sowing seeds of discord for political gain.
“This administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano. Dr. Bichi’s allegations are not only unfortunate but misleading. Comparing the current administration to the previous one is unjust and unfair to the people of Kano who are witnessing visible progress,” he stated.
The Commissioner further challenged Bichi to provide verifiable evidence of his claims, insisting that empty accusations would not deter the administration from its development goals.
“If he has proof, let him present it publicly. We will not be distracted by unfounded claims. The government has nothing to hide,” Waiya said.
In a surprising twist, Waiya revealed that the reason cited for Bichi’s removal — health concerns — had been a diplomatic cover out of respect. “We deliberately concealed the full details of his dismissal, citing health grounds out of courtesy. However, I want to make it clear now that the decision was based on more serious internal issues that are best left confidential,” he disclosed.
Waiya expressed concern about Bichi’s recent conduct and advised him to prioritize his well-being. “Given his erratic statements, I strongly encourage him to seek proper medical care. His health should be his primary focus now,” he added.
Bichi’s ousting on March 29, 2024, came during a sweeping cabinet shake-up that affected several commissioners and high-ranking aides in the Yusuf administration. Although initially presented as a routine political restructuring, the recent fallout has exposed deeper cracks within the NNPP’s power structure in Kano.
Political observers suggest that the former SSG’s outburst may be a precursor to a wider rift ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as internal party factions begin to reposition for control.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations in Kano have urged both parties to prioritize public interest over political disputes. “Corruption allegations should be substantiated, and government must remain open to scrutiny, but political scores should not be settled at the expense of truth and good governance,” said Halima Musa, coordinator of the Kano Civic Watch.
Governor Yusuf’s administration, since assuming office, has embarked on multiple capital projects including the recent approval of over ₦51 billion for infrastructure upgrades across the state. These include road construction, healthcare facility expansions, and rural electrification programs.
The government has also promised to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service sector, stressing that no official, regardless of rank, will be shielded from accountability.
As political tension simmers, the coming months may reveal whether Bichi’s claims have any backing — or whether they are mere tools in the high-stakes chess game of Kano politics ahead of 2027.