Kano Deputy Governor Race: Murtala Garo Gains Massive APC Backing
In a significant political development ahead of the nomination for the vacant deputy governorship seat in Kano State, former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, has secured overwhelming support from key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This consensus emerged during a high-level stakeholders' meeting convened by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday evening, marking a crucial step in the state's political realignment.
Overwhelming Endorsement from Party Leaders
Findings from the meeting indicate that Garo secured approximately 90 percent endorsement from party leaders and influential figures present at the Government House gathering. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen party unity and consolidate governance structures in Kano State, following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo.
Sources familiar with the proceedings revealed that Governor Yusuf had requested the APC's "old bloc" to nominate three credible individuals for consideration. From this list, Garo emerged as the preferred candidate ahead of other nominees, including Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who represents Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency.
Prominent Stakeholders Rally Behind Garo
The list of prominent stakeholders who endorsed Garo's candidacy reads like a who's who of Kano State politics:
- Former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
- Former Deputy Governor and ex-Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo
- Abubakar Kabir Bichi
- Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila
- Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Bunkure
- Senator Garba Lado
- Abdulrahman Abdullahi Zaura
- Former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current member representing Dambatta/Makoda Federal Constituency, Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari
- House of Representatives member, Alhassan Ado Doguwa
- Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa
- Abdullahi Sani Rogo
Political Experience and Administrative Competence
Stakeholders attributed their support to Garo's extensive political experience, administrative competence, and strong grassroots network across Kano State. During the meeting, Doguwa highlighted Garo's impressive political trajectory, noting his service as:
- Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007
- Special Adviser during the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
- Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area
- Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State
Following the formation of the APC in 2014, Garo became its pioneer State Organising Secretary in Kano, before serving two consecutive terms as Commissioner for Local Government from 2015 to 2023. He was also the party's deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
Strategic Considerations in the Selection Process
The preference for Garo over other nominees was partly influenced by practical considerations. Both Bichi and Rurum currently occupy significant public offices and are actively contributing in those roles, while Garo, who is not currently holding any public office after the 2023 elections, was widely considered the most suitable candidate to assume the position without disrupting existing institutional arrangements.
Political observers believe his potential emergence could strengthen internal cohesion within the APC in Kano State and enhance governance stability. The submission of three names was in line with the governor's directive and does not indicate any division within the bloc, according to sources who emphasized the inclusive nature of the nomination process.
Looking Ahead: Governor's Final Decision
With consultations now concluded, attention shifts to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's final decision, which is expected to reflect both political and administrative considerations in shaping the state's leadership. The near-consensus achieved during the stakeholders' meeting suggests that Garo's nomination would enjoy broad-based support within the party structure.
This development represents a significant moment in Kano State politics, as the administration seeks to fill the deputy governorship vacancy through careful consultation with key political blocs. The overwhelming support for Garo demonstrates his standing within the APC and his perceived ability to contribute to the state's governance and political stability.
