APC stakeholders close ranks, back Garo for Kano deputy gov

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A coalition of senior stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State has endorsed former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, as its preferred candidate for the vacant deputy governorship seat, following a late-night meeting that stretched from Saturday into the early hours of Sunday.

Vanguard gathered that Garo secured approximately 90 percent of endorsements from attendees, with support drawn heavily from the party’s old bloc.

Two other names – Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum – were submitted alongside his, but deliberations reportedly tilted in his favour.

Former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa was said to have led the push, urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to select Garo for the role.

“Doguwa told the stakeholders that Garo is the most suitable candidate and that he has remained consistent, patient and loyal. Je told them that this is the kind of support the governor needs at a critical time,” said a senior party official who was privy to the meeting.

Those endorsing Garo include former Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Garba Lado, Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmood Bunkure, former House of Assembly Speaker Hamisu Chidari and APC stalwart AA Zaura, among others.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo. Governor Yusuf has been consulting key party blocs ahead of a nomination.

Garo previously served as PDP Organizing Secretary in 2007, as Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as ALGON chairman, and as a two-term Commissioner. He was the APC deputy governorship candidate in 2023 and currently holds no public office.