Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo as his new Deputy Governor, following the resignation of Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

Gwarzo’s resignation came after a fallout with the governor, primarily over his decision to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gwarzo had faced mounting pressure to align with Governor Yusuf but refused, leading to the commencement of impeachment proceedings against him in the State House of Assembly.

Gwarzo eventually resigned amid the growing tension and later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Governor Yusuf nominated Garo to fill the vacant deputy governor position in accordance with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor when there is a vacancy.

Muhammad further revealed that Garo’s nomination followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, and the governor has requested the State Assembly’s approval for the nomination.

The 48-year-old Murtala Sule Garo is described as a seasoned political administrator with over two decades of experience in both elected and appointed positions. He has served as the State Organising Secretary of his former party, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, and was elected Chairman of Kabo Local Government.

Garo also held the position of Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

The governor’s office stated that Garo’s appointment is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring effective service delivery in the state.