Hon. Murtala Sule Garo has emerged as the leading contender for the position of Deputy Governor of Kano State following a crucial meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders held late last night.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on a replacement for the former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who recently resigned from office.
Sources at the meeting revealed that Garo, who was the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, secured overwhelming support from party stakeholders, with nearly 90 percent of those present backing his nomination. His strong backing is seen as a reflection of his political influence and acceptance across key blocs within the party.
Among those who threw their weight behind his candidacy are prominent figures such as Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abubakar Bichi, and Abdulmumin Kofa, alongside several other lawmakers and party leaders.
Garo’s candidacy is also reportedly strengthened by his geographical advantage, as he hails from the same federal constituency as the outgoing deputy governor—an alignment some stakeholders consider important for political balance.
Despite the dominance of Garo’s support, two other aspirants also indicated interest in the position. Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Chairman of the Hadejia-Jamare River Basin Authority, and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, a member of the House of Representatives, both received limited backing from individual party leaders.
Following the deliberations, stakeholders agreed to forward three names to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who will make the final decision on the appointment.
There were also discussions around the need to consider Kano South for the position, with figures such as Salihu Takai and Usman Alhaji mentioned. However, no candidate from the zone was formally presented.
All eyes are now on Governor Yusuf as he prepares to announce his choice, with Garo widely seen as the frontrunner going into the final stage of the selection process.