Kano Gov Nominates Murtala Sule Garo, Atiku Abubakar’s Son-in-Law, as Deputy Governor

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has formally nominated Murtala Sule Garo for appointment as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, forwarding his name to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Garo, who is married into the family of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is expected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo in March 2026.

Gwarzo’s exit followed a deepening political rift with Governor Yusuf. Prior to his resignation, the Kano State House of Assembly had initiated impeachment proceedings against him over allegations including gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial impropriety. The former deputy governor later defected to another political camp, further intensifying the crisis.

In the aftermath, Governor Yusuf accused Gwarzo of attempting to undermine his administration and allegedly plotting his removal from office.

Confirming the nomination in a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, said the move aligns with constitutional provisions. He cited Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to nominate a replacement when the office of deputy governor becomes vacant.

According to the statement, the nomination followed “extensive consultations with key stakeholders” across the state.

Garo, 48, is described as a seasoned political figure with over two decades of experience in governance and party administration. His political résumé includes serving as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

He also previously held the position of Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.

The Kano State Government said the nomination is part of broader efforts to stabilise governance and sustain effective service delivery following recent political disruptions.

The House of Assembly is expected to commence screening proceedings in the coming days.