Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Nominates Murtala Garo as Deputy Governor
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially nominated Murtala Sule Garo as the new deputy governor of the state, bringing an end to weeks of political uncertainty.
The nomination was forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the decision was said to be in line with constitutional provisions guiding such appointments.
According to the statement, the move follows Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which gives the governor the authority to nominate a deputy governor when a vacancy occurs. The governor also noted that the decision came after wide consultations with key political stakeholders in the state.
Kano State has been without a deputy governor for nearly a month after the resignation of former deputy governor Abdussalam Gwarzo on March 27, 2026. His exit came amid political tensions within the state’s leadership.
Reports suggest that Gwarzo’s resignation may be linked to disagreements with Governor Yusuf, particularly over party affiliations. The former deputy governor reportedly refused to follow the governor’s political direction after changes in party alignment, leading to a breakdown in their working relationship.
The situation escalated when the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo during the crisis. However, he stepped down before the process could be completed and later moved to another political platform.
The political landscape in Kano has remained tense in recent weeks, especially following shifts involving major political figures such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. These developments have sparked debates over loyalty and political strategy ahead of future elections.
Murtala Sule Garo, the governor’s nominee, is an experienced political figure with over two decades of service in both elected and appointed roles. Born in 1978, he hails from Garo town in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State.
Throughout his career, Garo has held several key positions, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government. He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State and later became Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In addition, he was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections, further strengthening his political profile in the state.
Garo is also connected to a prominent political family, as he is married to a daughter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The couple marked their 10th wedding anniversary in November 2025.
As the State House of Assembly prepares to review his nomination, many observers are watching closely to see how this appointment will shape the political direction of Kano State in the coming months.
