Tinubu, Ganduje, Barau, Others Pressure Abba Yusuf On Kano Deputy Gov Selection

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is facing mounting political pressure over the selection of a new deputy governor, as competing interests within the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensify.

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The development comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between the governor and Kano lawmakers at the Government House on Monday night.

Sources within the party said the consultations followed the governor’s recent visit to former Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja, a move believed to be aimed at strengthening relations with the party’s old guard.

Party insiders revealed that both Ganduje and the Presidency are reportedly backing Murtala Sule Garo, a former Commissioner for Local Government, as the preferred candidate for the deputy governorship position.

However, the push for Garo has reportedly encountered resistance from influential political blocs within the state.

Leaders from Kano North and Kano South, including Senators Barau Jibrin and Kawu Sumaila, are said to be advocating a three-man shortlist instead of endorsing a single candidate.

Among those reportedly opposed to Garo’s nomination is former APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, who is said to have raised concerns about political balance.

Critics argue that Garo’s emergence could create an imbalance since he is from the same local government area as Senator Barau Jibrin.

Beyond zoning concerns, legal issues surrounding Garo have also been cited.

He is currently facing corruption charges alongside Ganduje and others in a case filed by the Yusuf administration at the Kano State High Court.

Additionally, an appeal involving Garo and his brothers is pending before the Court of Appeal in Suit No. K/133C/2024, filed by the Kano State Government on March 12, 2026.

Sources within the party said several other figures are being considered as potential candidates.

From the camp of Senator Barau, names reportedly under consideration include Salisu Sagir Takai and former Commissioner for Youths, Kabiru Lakwaya.

Other sources indicated that the senator is also proposing a neutral candidate, former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Garba Bichi.

Meanwhile, political leaders from Kano South are backing Kabiru Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current member representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency.

Another major contender is the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore.

Sources said the governor had earlier reached an agreement with Falgore that he would be nominated as deputy governor if he and allied lawmakers defected to the APC.

However, the arrangement is said to have come under pressure following interventions from the Presidency.

Lawmakers are reportedly insisting that the earlier agreement be honoured.

Assembly insiders said at least 28 of the 40 members of the Kano State House of Assembly are backing Falgore.

Amid the growing internal contest, sources claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to communicate his preference for Garo to the governor.

The Presidency’s position is believed to be partly influenced by the recent exit of Nasiru Gawuna, the former APC governorship candidate in Kano, from the party.

Ganduje’s recent meeting with Tinubu is also said to have strengthened Garo’s chances.

According to sources, the former governor reportedly highlighted Garo’s strong grassroots support and warned of the risk of losing him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Despite the push from various political blocs, opposition to Garo’s candidacy persists within the party.

Sources told Daily Nigerian that Governor Yusuf is making efforts to reconcile the warring factions in order to arrive at a consensus candidate.

With pressure mounting from the Presidency, party leaders and lawmakers, the governor is said to be carefully weighing his options.