Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has nominated Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor of Kano State, filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The nomination, forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly, is in accordance with constitutional provisions requiring legislative confirmation of a deputy governor nominee.

Gwarzo had stepped down on March 27 following a rift with the governor and the commencement of impeachment proceedings by the Assembly, leaving a gap in the state’s executive council.

Garo, 48, is a seasoned political figure with experience spanning party administration and public service. His previous roles include serving as State Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Special Adviser to the governor, Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was also the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.

He is known to be a close ally of former Kano governor and ex-national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, under whose administration he held a key cabinet position.

Supporters within Kano have welcomed the nomination, citing his grassroots influence and political network, while observers note that his reported family ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may further shape his political standing.

Governor Yusuf said the choice of Garo is aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the state.

Political analysts say the development could affect emerging alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly given Garo’s connections at both state and national levels.

The nomination has also generated mixed reactions within the APC, where stakeholders are said to have held differing views during consultations. Sources indicate that other contenders considered included Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum.

Attention is also on Barau Jibrin, a prominent political figure from Kabo Local Government Area, who, like Garo, commands significant influence within the state.

The Kano State House of Assembly is expected to screen the nominee in the coming days. If cleared, Garo will be sworn in as deputy governor.