The swearing-in of Murtala Sule Garo as the Deputy Governor of Kano State marks a significant addition to the state’s evolving political history, as he becomes the 13th occupant of the office since the creation of the state.
Garo’s emergence follows the resignation of Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and his subsequent confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly, ushering him into a position that has, over the decades, played a crucial role in shaping governance and political stability in the state.
From the Second Republic to the present democratic dispensation, the office of the Deputy Governor in Kano has been occupied by notable figures who contributed to the administration of the state in varying capacities.
The journey dates back to 1979 when the late Alhaji Ibrahim Bibi Farouk served as the pioneer Deputy Governor under the administration of the late Muhammad Abubakar Rimi. His tenure, however, was cut short following impeachment by the Kano State House of Assembly. He was succeeded by Alhaji Abdu Dawakin Tofa, who completed the administration’s tenure.
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In 1983, Professor Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi briefly served as Deputy Governor, followed by Alhaji Wada Abubakar Kiyawa under the administration of Alhaji Sabo Bakin Zuwo, before the military takeover later that year halted civilian governance structures.
During the military era, the position of Deputy Governor was largely non-existent, with few exceptions such as the administration of Colonel Idris Garba, where Alhaji Abba Abdullahi served in a deputy capacity during the transition programme of General Ibrahim Babangida.
With the return to civil rule, the office regained prominence. The late Alhaji Ahmad Usman served between 1992 and 1993 under Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya. In the Fourth Republic, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje served as Deputy Governor to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015, establishing one of the most notable deputy governorship tenures in the state.
Under the administration of Ibrahim Shekarau, Engineer Magaji Abdullahi served as Deputy Governor from 2003 to 2007, before being succeeded by Engineer Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo from 2007 to 2011.
The administration of Ganduje saw Professor Hafizu Abubakar serve between 2015 and 2018, after which Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna took over the role until 2023.
Most recently, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo served as Deputy Governor from 2023 until his resignation in April 2026, paving the way for Garo’s emergence.
Now stepping into the role, Garo inherits not only the responsibilities of governance but also a legacy shaped by decades of political transitions, institutional evolution, and public service. His tenure is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf in advancing development and strengthening governance structures in Kano State.