Abba Yusuf Nominates Atiku’s Son-in-law, Murtala Garo, as Kano Deputy Governor
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.
Garo, who is the son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, is expected to fill the vacancy created after the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo on March 27, 2026. Gwarzo reportedly stepped down following political disagreements with the governor and later switched political camps.
Prior to his resignation, the Kano State House of Assembly had initiated moves to impeach him over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial malfeasance. After leaving office, Yusuf also accused Gwarzo of attempting to orchestrate his removal as governor.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s chief press secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Yusuf said the nomination was made in accordance with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy 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 said.
Describing the nominee as a “seasoned political administrator,” the statement noted that the 48-year-old has over two decades of experience in both elective and appointed positions.
Garo previously served as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and elected Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.
He also held positions as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano chapter, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections.
The statement added that the nomination is aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery in the state.