Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have endorsed Murtala Garo as the leading candidate for the vacant deputy governorship position in the state.
The endorsement followed a late-night strategy meeting held on Saturday, where party sources indicated that Garo secured approximately 90 per cent support from key stakeholders, particularly influential blocs within the party.
Speaking on the development, Alhassan Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives, urged Governor Abba Yusuf to consider Garo for the position, describing him as a dependable and loyal figure.
“Garo is the most suitable candidate. He has remained consistent, patient, and loyal. This is the kind of support the governor needs at a critical time,” Doguwa said.
The move comes in the wake of the resignation of former deputy governor, Abdussalam Gwarzo, which created the vacancy.
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Earlier, stakeholders had submitted three nominees for consideration, including Garo, Rabiu Bichi, and Kabiru Rurum. However, internal deliberations reportedly favoured Garo, leading to near-unanimous support.
Among prominent party figures said to have backed his candidacy are Abdullahi Ganduje, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Abdurrahman Sumaila, and Mariya Bunkure, among others.
Party insiders attributed Garo’s emergence to his extensive political experience, noting that he has served in various capacities, including as organising secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, special adviser, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), commissioner, and APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.
Stakeholders also highlighted that Garo currently holds no elective office, making his transition into the role seamless, while expressing optimism that his appointment could strengthen party unity and stabilise Kano’s political landscape.