Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded the name of Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor, weeks after the position became vacant.

The nomination, which was formally transmitted to lawmakers, places Garo, who is reportedly the son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in line to take over the role pending legislative approval.

How the vacancy emerged

The deputy governorship seat became vacant on March 27, 2026, following the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo, who later defected after falling out with Governor Yusuf in a deepening political rift.

Before his exit, the Kano State House of Assembly had already initiated impeachment proceedings against Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust and financial mismanagement.

Governor Yusuf had also accused the former deputy governor of attempting to undermine his administration, escalating tensions that eventually led to his resignation.

Details of the nomination

In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the nomination was said to be in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a governor to appoint a replacement when the office becomes vacant.

The statement noted that the decision followed consultations with key political stakeholders across the state, with the governor seeking swift approval from the Assembly to fill the gap in his administration.

Muhammad described Garo as a “seasoned political administrator” with extensive experience spanning over two decades in both elective and appointed positions.

Garo’s political profile

The 48-year-old politician has held several roles, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

According to the statement, his nomination is part of efforts by the Yusuf administration to strengthen governance structures and ensure continuity in service delivery across the state.