Governor Abba Yusuf Nominates Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor in Kano
After extensive deliberations and consultations, 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 the new Deputy Governor. This long-awaited decision has sparked widespread jubilation among supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who celebrated the widely accepted choice across the state.
Nomination Process and Constitutional Basis
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, it was revealed that Garo, a former local government commissioner, was selected from a list of three nominees submitted by APC legacy stakeholders. The legacy group, led by former national Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had forwarded the names of Murtala Sule Garo, Alhassan Kabiru Rurum—a serving member of the House of Representatives from the Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal constituency—and Sulaiman Bichi, a former Secretary to the State Government.
The Governor emphasized that this nomination aligns with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to appoint a Deputy Governor in the event of a vacancy. The position became vacant following the voluntary resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026.
Garo's Political Background and Qualifications
Following broad consultations with key stakeholders, Governor Yusuf has formally requested the Assembly to approve Garo’s nomination. Murtala Sule Garo, aged 48, is described as a seasoned political administrator with over two decades of experience in both elective and appointed roles. His extensive career includes serving as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and elected Chairman of Kabo Local Government.
Additionally, Garo has held significant positions such as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Deputy Governorship Candidate for the APC in the 2023 general elections. His nomination is viewed as a strategic move to enhance governance and ensure continued effective service delivery in Kano State.
Internal Party Dynamics and Support
The nomination process was marked by keen competition among the legacy stakeholders, leading to divisions within the group. Garo garnered substantial support from a majority, including backing from former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, one of the two ministers from Kano, one of the two APC senators, and most members of the House of Representatives from the APC in Kano.
However, there were dissenting voices, most notably from the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, who actively mobilized support for the nomination of Alhassan Rurum. Despite these internal disagreements, Governor Yusuf’s final endorsement has effectively put an end to widespread speculation, solidifying Garo’s position as the chosen candidate.
