Garo Emerges Front-Runner for Kano Deputy Governorship, Secures Broad APC Bloc Backing

Hon. Murtala Sule Garo

The Kano State Deputy Governor’s lead Aspirant

Former Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, has emerged as the leading contender for the vacant position of Deputy Governor of Kano State, following strong backing from the “old bloc” of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with deliberations at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf indicate that Garo secured what participants described as “overwhelming support,” with estimates placing his endorsement at around 90 per cent among party leaders present. While the figure could not be independently verified, multiple accounts from the meeting pointed to a clear preference for his candidacy.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Deputy Governor, Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, prompting consultations across key political blocs as the administration seeks a replacement.

At the meeting, the governor requested the APC’s old bloc to nominate three credible individuals for consideration. In response, stakeholders submitted the names of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo; Hon. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority; and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Member representing Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency.

Participants at the meeting emphasised that the submission of three names was in line with the governor’s directive and did not reflect internal divisions within the bloc.

Despite the multi-candidate nomination, discussions reportedly coalesced around Garo, with several influential figures expressing support for his emergence. Among those said to have backed his candidacy are former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; former Deputy Governor and Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo; Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila; Minister of State for the FCT, Hon. Mariya Bunkure; Senator Garba Lado; APC stalwart AA Zaura; and members of the House of Representatives including Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abdulhamid Jibrin Kofa, Abdullahi Sani Rogo, and Abubakar Kabir Bichi, among others.

Supporters cite Garo’s administrative experience and longstanding involvement in party organisation as key factors. His political trajectory spans roles as Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, Special Adviser during the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and elected Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, where he also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State.

Following the formation of the APC in 2014, he became its pioneer State Organising Secretary in Kano and later served two consecutive terms as Commissioner for Local Government from 2015 to 2023. He was also the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections

Sources further indicated that the inclusion of Bichi and Rurum in the nomination list was procedural, noting that both currently hold significant public offices. Retaining them in their positions, some participants argued, would avoid creating additional vacancies within the state’s governance structure

In contrast, Garo, who has not held public office since the 2023 elections, is viewed by some stakeholders as a more immediately deployable option. However, others caution that the final decision rests solely with the governor, who may weigh broader political and administrative considerations beyond bloc preferences

Political observers suggest that, if confirmed, Garo’s emergence could bolster internal cohesion within the APC’s Kano structure. Nonetheless, questions remain about how such a decision may intersect with the state’s wider political dynamics and the governor’s strategic priorities.

With consultations largely concluded, attention now turns to Governor Yusuf’s final decision, which is expected in the coming days.