- Governor Abba Yusuf submitted Murtala Garo’s name to the Kano State House of Assembly for confirmation as Deputy Governor
- The nomination followed the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo in March 2026
- The government stated that the move aimed to strengthen governance and maintain effective service delivery in Kano State
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has formally submitted the name of Murtala Garo to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as Deputy Governor.
The nomination was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.
According to the statement, the move aligns with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which grants governors the authority to nominate a replacement deputy governor in the event of a vacancy.
The deputy governorship position became vacant following the voluntary resignation of Abdussalam Gwarzo on 27 March 2026. The reasons for his resignation were not elaborated upon in the statement, but the development necessitated swift action to fill the constitutional gap.
Governor Yusuf noted that Garo’s nomination came after extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state. He urged the State Assembly to expedite the screening process and grant the necessary approval to ensure continuity in governance.
Describing the nominee, Muhammad highlighted Garo’s extensive experience in public service, spanning more than two decades in both elective and appointed roles. At 48, Garo has built a reputation as a seasoned political administrator within Kano State.
His previous positions include serving as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Governor, and elected Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area. He also held the role of Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, as well as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
In addition, Garo was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections, further cementing his political profile within the state.
The state government emphasised that the nomination forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance structures and sustain effective service delivery across Kano. Observers believe that, if confirmed, Garo’s experience could play a pivotal role in supporting the administration’s policy objectives.
The Kano State House of Assembly is expected to commence the screening process in the coming days, after which a final decision on the nomination will be made.