Following Abdussalam Gwarzo’s resignation last month, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has proposed Murtala Sule Garo as the new deputy governor.
Following a dispute with the governor and the State House of Assembly’s impeachment procedures, Gwarzo resigned on March 27, leaving a vacancy on the state’s executive council.
In accordance with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the governor then sent Garo’s name to the Assembly for confirmation.
Garo, 48, is a seasoned political administrator with a background in both government and party positions. In the past, he held the positions of Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Advisor to the Governor, and State Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the 2023 elections, he was the APC’s nominee for deputy governor.
He is regarded by many as a close friend of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate former APC National Chairman and former governor of Kano State. Garo was known by supporters as “Commander” and held the position of Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Ganduje’s administration.
Kano’s supporters have applauded the selection, characterizing him as a person with a broad national political reach and solid grassroots ties.
Observers claim that Garo’s family connection to former vice president Atiku Abubakar raises his political status.
According to Governor Yusuf, the nomination is meant to improve the state’s governance and service delivery.
The governor declared, “We are confident that his experience and commitment will help us consolidate our administration’s gains.”
Given his connections to both local institutions and national leaders, political observers observe that Garo’s rise may affect political alliances in Kano prior to the 2027 elections.
Within the APC, his nomination elicited a range of responses, including varying inclinations among party stakeholders. Among the well-known residents of Kabo Local Government territory, which is the same territory as Garo, is Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate. Both politicians have developed sizable political fan bases in the state, according to observers.
Governor Yusuf claims that the nomination is intended to enhance the state’s administration and provision of services.
The governor said, “We are confident that his experience and commitment will help us consolidate our administration’s gains.”
Political analysts note that Garo’s ascent may have an impact on political alliances in Kano before the 2027 elections because of his ties to both national and local institutions.
His nomination sparked a variety of reactions inside the APC, including differing opinions among party members. Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, is one of the well-known inhabitants of Kabo Local Government region, which is the same territory as Garo. Observers claim that both candidates have grown substantial political fan bases in the state.
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