Meet Garo, Kano Deputy Governor nominee
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has nominated Murtala Sule Garo as the new deputy governor, following the resignation of Abdussalam Gwarzo last month. Gwarzo stepped down on March 27 after a disagreement with the governor and the initiation of impeachment proceedings by the State House of Assembly, creating a vacancy in the state’s […]
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has nominated Murtala Sule Garo as the new deputy governor, following the resignation of Abdussalam Gwarzo last month.
Gwarzo stepped down on March 27 after a disagreement with the governor and the initiation of impeachment proceedings by the State House of Assembly, creating a vacancy in the state’s executive council.
The governor subsequently forwarded Garo’s name to the Assembly for confirmation in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Garo, 48, is a long-time political administrator with experience across party and government roles. He previously served as State Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Special Adviser to the governor, Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was also the APC’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
He is widely regarded as a close associate of former Kano State governor and immediate past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. During Ganduje’s administration, Garo served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and was popularly referred to by supporters as “Commander.”
Supporters in Kano have welcomed the nomination, describing him as a figure with strong grassroots connections and national political reach.
Garo is also reported to have family ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a factor observers say adds to his political profile.
Governor Yusuf said the nomination is intended to strengthen governance and service delivery in the state.
“We are confident that his experience and commitment will help us consolidate our administration’s gains,” the governor said.
Political analysts note that Garo’s emergence could influence alignments within Kano politics ahead of the 2027 elections, given his links to both local structures and national figures.
His nomination also drew varied reactions within the APC, including differing preferences among party stakeholders. Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, is among prominent figures from Kabo Local Government Area, the same area as Garo. Observers say both politicians have established strong political followings within the state.
Party sources indicated that alternative names were considered during consultations, while a group within the APC suggested a shortlist that included Garo, Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum.
The Kano State House of Assembly is expected to screen the nominee in the coming days. If confirmed, Garo will be sworn in as deputy governor by the governor.