Alhaji Murtala Garo has been nominated as the next Deputy Governor of Kano State by Governor Abba Yusuf.
The Governor officially sent Garo’s name to the Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday for screening and subsequent confirmation.
This move aims to fill the leadership gap in the state’s executive branch following the sudden exit of the previous occupant.
According to a formal statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the decision is rooted in the legal frameworks of the country.
Governor Yusuf acted under the authority of Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides the governor with the power to appoint a new deputy when the seat becomes vacant.
The office has been unoccupied since March 27, 2026, when the former Deputy Governor, Abdussalam Gwarzo, tendered his voluntary resignation.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that this nomination was not done in isolation but was the result of extensive dialogue with various political and community leaders.
In the official communication, the Governor noted that “Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination,” ensuring that the choice reflects a broad consensus within the state.
The 48-year-old nominee brings a wealth of administrative and political expertise to the role. Mustapha Muhammad highlighted that Garo is a veteran administrator with over twenty years of experience in public service.
His career includes serving as the State Organising Secretary of his political party and acting as a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor.
Furthermore, his grassroots experience is notable, having served as the elected Chairman of the Kabo Local Government Area and eventually leading the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) within Kano State.
Garo’s influence in state affairs was further solidified during his tenure as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Many will also remember him as the deputy governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections.