Tinubu, Ganduje, Barau Tighten Grip On Abba Yusuf Over Kano Deputy Gov Slot

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is reportedly facing increasing political pressure over the choice of a new deputy governor as internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress deepen.

According to credible political sources, the development comes ahead of a crucial meeting between the governor and members of the Kano State House of Assembly scheduled to take place at the Government House. The consultations are believed to have intensified following the governor’s recent visit to former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, in Abuja, a move widely interpreted as an effort to engage key figures within the party’s establishment.

Insiders revealed that both Abdullahi Ganduje and the Presidency are said to be backing Murtala Sule Garo, a former Commissioner for Local Government, as the preferred candidate for the vacant deputy governorship position. However, the push for his emergence has reportedly met stiff opposition from influential stakeholders across the state.

Prominent figures from Kano North and Kano South, including Senators Barau Jibrin and Kawu Sumaila, are said to be advocating for a broader selection process involving multiple candidates rather than endorsing a single nominee.

Further resistance has reportedly come from former state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, who is believed to have raised concerns over political balance, particularly as Garo is from the same local government area as Senator Jibrin. Critics argue that such a development could disrupt existing zoning arrangements within the state.

In addition to political considerations, legal concerns have also been raised regarding Garo, who is currently facing corruption charges alongside Ganduje and others before the Kano State High Court. An appeal involving Garo and his siblings is also pending before the Court of Appeal in a suit filed by the Kano State Government in March 2026.

Meanwhile, several alternative candidates are reportedly being considered by different factions within the party. Allies of Senator Jibrin are said to be weighing options such as Salisu Sagir Takai and former Commissioner for Youths, Kabiru Lakwaya, while also proposing a compromise candidate in former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Garba Bichi.

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, while another strong contender is the current Speaker, Jibrin Falgore.

Sources indicated that Governor Yusuf had previously reached an understanding with Falgore regarding his nomination as deputy governor in exchange for political alignment with the APC. However, that arrangement is now said to be under strain following reported interventions from the Presidency. Lawmakers are believed to be insisting that the earlier agreement be respected, with a significant number of Assembly members backing Falgore’s candidacy.

Amid the intensifying contest, it was further gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with conveying his preference for Garo to the governor. The Presidency’s stance is said to be influenced by recent political shifts within the state, including the departure of former APC governorship candidate Nasiru Gawuna from the party.

Despite the growing pressure from multiple power blocs, opposition to Garo’s candidacy remains strong. Observers note that Governor Yusuf is currently engaged in extensive consultations aimed at reconciling the competing interests and arriving at a consensus candidate. With political stakes rising and competing loyalties at play, the governor is said to be carefully weighing his options ahead of a final decision.