Kano Governor Nominates Murtala Garo as Deputy Governor

KANO, Nigeria – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has nominated Murtala Garo as the new Deputy Governor and forwarded his name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The nomination, submitted on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, is in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy in the event of a vacancy. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

The position became vacant following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026. His resignation was earlier confirmed by Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

According to Governor Yusuf, Garo’s nomination followed wide consultations with key stakeholders across the state. He also urged the State House of Assembly to expedite action on the screening and approval process.

Murtala Garo, aged 48, brings over two decades of political and administrative experience. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area.

He also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.