Celebrations swept across Kano on Wednesday after Governor Abba Yusuf nominated Murtala Sule Garo as the state’s new deputy governor, triggering widespread street rallies and public excitement.
Residents poured into major roads across the Kano metropolis and surrounding local government areas, including Kabo, in spontaneous displays of support following the announcement.
Viral videos circulating online showed groups of youths riding motorcycles, driving in convoys, and marching through streets chanting slogans in support of both the governor and the nominee.
Supporters were also seen carrying portraits and dancing as they moved through different parts of the city, turning the nomination into a full-scale political celebration.
The nomination has been formally transmitted to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, setting the stage for Garo’s potential emergence as the next deputy governor.
Garo, who is related by marriage to Atiku Abubakar, brings over two decades of political experience spanning both elective and appointed roles.
His emergence follows the resignation of former deputy governor Abdussalam Gwarzo in March 2026, creating a vacancy that the state government has now moved to fill.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor said the nomination followed extensive consultations with key political stakeholders aimed at strengthening governance and continuity.
Garo’s political résumé includes roles as state organising secretary of his party, special adviser to the governor, chairman of Kabo Local Government, and commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs.
He also served as chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State and was the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 general election.
Observers say the enthusiastic public response reflects both political alignment within the state and expectations surrounding the incoming administration structure.
