Jubilation Erupts in Kano as Governor Yusuf Nominates Garo for Deputy Governor Role
In a significant political development, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially transmitted the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for confirmation as Deputy Governor. This long-awaited decision has sparked overwhelming jubilation among supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who took to the streets to celebrate the widely accepted choice.
Nomination Follows Extensive Consultations and Constitutional Process
According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the nomination aligns with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor when a vacancy exists. The position became vacant after the voluntary resignation of former Deputy Governor Comrade Abdussalam Gwarzo on March 27, 2026.
The statement detailed that Garo, a former local government commissioner, was selected from three nominations forwarded by APC legacy stakeholders. This group, led by former national Chairman of the APC Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had proposed Murtala Sule Garo, Alhassan Kabiru Rurum (a serving member of the House of Representatives from Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal constituency), and Sulaiman Bichi (former Secretary to the State Government).
Garo's Extensive Political Background and Support Base
Murtala Sule Garo, aged 48, is described as a seasoned political administrator with over two decades of service in both elective and appointed positions. His career includes roles such as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, elected Kabo Local Government Chairman, Chairman of ALGON Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.
The nomination process was not without contention, as it divided members of the legacy stakeholders. Garo enjoyed the support of the largest majority, including backing from former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, one of the two ministries from Kano, one of the two APC senators, and the majority of APC members in the House of Representatives from Kano. However, there were dissenting voices, notably from the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, who mobilized support for the nomination of Alhassan Rurum.
Governor's Endorsement Aims to Strengthen Governance
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the nomination is part of efforts to strengthen governance and sustain effective service delivery in Kano State. Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, he has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination, putting an end to widespread speculation and setting the stage for a new chapter in the state's administration.
