Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has nominated the brother-in-law to his former boss and former governor of the State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Murtala Sule Garo, as the deputy governor of the State.
Garo's name was transmitted to the state house of assembly for screening and confirmation on Wednesday.
The nominee is also the son-in-law of Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president of Nigeria.
The position became vacant after Aminu Gwarzo resigned as Kano deputy governor on March 27, 2026 and switched political camps, after falling out with Yusuf.
Days before his resignation, the Kano state house of assembly had moved to impeach Gwarzo over alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial malfeasance.
After he left office, Yusuf alleged that Gwarzo had attempted to remove him from office.
In a statement signed by Mustapha Muhammad, his chief press secretary, on Tuesday, Yusuf said “the nomination is in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor where a vacancy exists”.
“Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the Governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination,” the statement reads.
“48 year old Murtala Sule Garo is a season political administrator with over two decades of service in both elective and appointed positions.
“He has served as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to Kano State Governor and elected Kabo Local Government Chairman.
“He also served as Chairman of ALGON Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.”
Muhammad added that Garo’s nomination is part of efforts to strengthen governance and sustain effective service delivery in Kano.
By Adewale Adewale
