Kano Tension Rises As Tinubu, Ganduje, Others Push Yusuf On Deputy Governor Pick

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

Party sources say the consultations intensified after Yusuf’s recent visit to former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja, a move seen as an effort to rebuild ties with influential party figures.

Insiders revealed that both Ganduje and the Presidency are reportedly supporting Murtala Sule Garo, a former Commissioner for Local Government, as the preferred candidate for the deputy governorship role.

However, this endorsement has sparked opposition from key political blocs within the state.

Leaders from Kano North and Kano South, including Barau Jibrin and Kawu Sumaila, are said to favour a shortlist of three candidates rather than backing a single individual.

Former APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, is also reportedly against Garo’s nomination, citing concerns over political balance.

Critics argue that selecting Garo could upset zoning arrangements, as he shares the same local government area as Senator Barau.

In addition to political concerns, Garo’s ongoing legal issues have also been raised. He is currently facing corruption charges alongside Ganduje in a case initiated by the Yusuf administration at the Kano State High Court, while a separate appeal involving him and his brothers remains pending.

Meanwhile, several other names are being considered. From Barau’s camp, figures such as Salisu Sagir Takai and Kabiru Lakwaya have been mentioned, alongside a possible compromise candidate, former Minister of State for Commerce, Ahmed Garba Bichi.

Leaders from Kano South are backing Kabiru Rurum, while the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, has also emerged as a strong contender.

Sources claim Yusuf had earlier reached an understanding with Falgore that he would be nominated for the role if he and allied lawmakers defected to the APC. However, that arrangement is now facing challenges following reported вмешment from the Presidency.

Lawmakers are said to be insisting that the agreement be honoured, with a majority in the state assembly backing Falgore.

Amid the growing tension, it is alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to convey support for Garo to the governor.

This stance is believed to be influenced by recent political shifts, including the exit of former APC governorship candidate Nasiru Gawuna from the party.

Ganduje’s recent engagement with Tinubu is also said to have strengthened Garo’s position, with reports suggesting he highlighted Garo’s grassroots influence and warned of the risk of losing him to the African Democratic Congress.

Despite the backing from powerful figures, resistance to Garo remains strong within the party.

Sources indicate that Governor Yusuf is working to reconcile the different factions and reach a consensus candidate, even as pressure from the Presidency, party leaders, and lawmakers continues to mount.