Kano governor nominates Atiku’s son-in-law Murtala Garo as deputy

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf 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’s exit followed a political fallout with Governor Yusuf, amid earlier impeachment moves by the Kano State House of Assembly over alleged misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust and financial malfeasance. He was also accused of attempting to remove the governor from office before his resignation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the chief press secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the governor said the nomination followed constitutional provisions and consultations with stakeholders.

“Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination,” the statement read.

Garo, 48, is a seasoned political administrator with over two decades of experience in both elective and appointed positions across Kano State.

He has served as state organising secretary of his party, special adviser to the Kano State governor, elected chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, chairman of ALGON Kano, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, and APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.

The statement added that the nomination is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring effective service delivery in Kano State.