APC leaders unite in support of Garo for Kano's deputy governor position

A coalition of senior stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State has thrown its weight behind Murtala Sule Garo, the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, as its preferred candidate for the vacant deputy governorship seat, after a marathon meeting that spanned Saturday and Sunday.

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The meeting, which lasted into the early hours of Sunday, saw Garo secure an overwhelming 90 percent of endorsements from attendees, with a significant chunk of support coming from the party's old bloc.

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Two other contenders, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, were also in the running, but the deliberations ultimately swung in Garo's favour, with his candidacy garnering the most traction.

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Former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, was instrumental in championing Garo's cause, urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to choose him for the role due to his consistent, patient, and loyal nature.

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A senior party official, who was privy to the discussions, revealed that Doguwa had emphasized Garo's suitability, stating that his brand of support was precisely what the governor needed during a critical juncture.

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The list of stakeholders who have endorsed Garo is a veritable who's who of Kano State's political elite, including former Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, and Senator Garba Lado.

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Other notable figures who have thrown their weight behind Garo include Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmood Bunkure, former House of Assembly Speaker Hamisu Chidari, and APC stalwart AA Zaura, among others.

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The deputy governorship seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, prompting Governor Yusuf to embark on a series of consultations with key party blocs ahead of making a nomination.

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Garo's political pedigree is impressive, having previously served as PDP Organizing Secretary in 2007, Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ALGON chairman, and a two-term Commissioner, in addition to being the APC deputy governorship candidate in 2023.

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Currently, Garo does not hold any public office, but his experience and loyalty have made him the preferred choice for the deputy governorship seat among the party's senior stakeholders.