Kano Gov Nominates Garo as Deputy Gov

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has forwarded the name of Alhaji Murtala Garo to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor following the vacancy created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The nomination, announced on Wednesday through a statement from the governor’s office, was made in line with constitutional provisions that allow a governor to appoint a replacement when the office becomes vacant.

The development comes weeks after Gwarzo stepped down from office on March 27, 2026, creating the need for a new deputy governor. According to the state government, Yusuf arrived at the decision after consultations with political stakeholders across Kano, with the nomination presented as part of efforts to maintain stability in governance and ensure continuity in the administration.

Garo, a long-time political figure in the state, was presented as an experienced administrator with years of service in both elective and appointed positions. His political career has seen him serve in several roles, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to a former governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

He also once led the Kano chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

His nomination has also drawn attention because of his previous role as deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general election. Observers see the choice as politically notable, given his experience and visibility in Kano politics.

The government said the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the administration and improve service delivery across the state. With the nomination now before the House of Assembly, lawmakers are expected to begin the screening and confirmation process in the coming days.

The appointment process is being watched closely in Kano political circles, as Garo’s possible emergence as deputy governor could shape political alignments in the state ahead of future contests.

For the Yusuf administration, the nomination is being projected as a step toward filling the leadership gap quickly and sustaining the pace of governance.