Atiku’s Son-in-law To Replace Gwarzo As Kano’s Deputy Governor
By Rotela Oguns
Almost a month after the resignation of Aminu Gwarzo as Kano deputy governor, the state’s helmsman, Abba Yusuf, has picked Murtala Sule Garo as his new second-in-command.
Yusuf has since forwarded Garo’s name to the state house of assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor according to the constitutional stipulation.
The nominee is the son-in-law of Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president of Nigeria.
Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor stated the reason for the decision in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Muhammad said the move is constitutional, stressing that,“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”.
He added, “Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the Governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination.”
Muhammad continued,“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.”
Recall that the deputy governor’s post became vacant following the resignation of Gwarzo as Kano deputy governor on March 27, 2026.
Gwarzo later defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid rumour of rift with Yusuf.
Meanwhile, days after Gwarzo’s resignation, Yusuf accused him of plotting to unseat him to become the governor.
The governor, however, did not give a clue on how his former deputy would execute his alleged plot considering the fact that Gwarzo’s resignation came amid impeachment move by the state house of assembly over alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial malfeasance.
