Garo: The Kano Grassroots Mobiliser
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Kano is the political hotbed of Northern Nigeria where politics is usually played with vigour, passion, speed and drama, and where you find no dull moments.
In Kano, political activities pick up immediately after an election, and continue to flourish till the next election.
Among such major political developments are the defections cum realignments of three gladiators – leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who recently defected from the NNPP to the ADC, and another former Deputy Governor of the state,Dr.Nasiru Gawuna, who left the APC and moved to the ADC. These movements are described as the latest political tsunami sweeping across the ancient commercial state.
Most outstanding of such political events is the recent resignation of the Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, following an impeachment notice served on him by the State House of Assembly.
Comrade Gwarzo’s resignation instantly gave birth to a flurry of schemings, intrigues and jostlings for the vacant position across the entire political spectrum.
Among the notables reportedly jostling for the number two position is Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the Ganduje administration, former Chairman of Kabo Local Government, and the running mate of the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections.
Others are Ismail Jibril Falgore, the incumbent Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Salihu Sagir Takai, a former Commissioner in the then Ibrahim Shekarau administration.
Political analysts and many stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) believe that Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is the most qualified and suitable among the three contenders in view of his impeccable records both as a former Commissioner for Local Government, Local Government Chairman, as well as his grassroots political standing.
They also posit that Garo’s position as the running mate of the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections further gives him an edge over the other contenders, as his selection to fair in the joint ticket testified to his wide acceptance and his electoral value.
The analysts further submit that Hon. Garo as the next Deputy Governor of Kano State will add value to the APC administration in the state in view of his vast experience in politics and public service.
According to them, Garo will also bring to the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration and the APC a solid and well-oiled political structure that would boost their electoral fortunes in the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, sources close to the APC hierarchy have revealed that Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is the favoured candidate for the Deputy Governorship position, and that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may tip him to fill the vacant position.
According to multiple sources, Governor Yusuf may have chosen Garo for the post, “and God willing Garo will soon be the next Deputy Governor of Kano State”.
The sources said the choice of Garo is in the spirit of inclusiveness, consensus and political sagacity to move the state forward.