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Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The decision of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to officially align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks more than a routine party movement. It represents a recalibration of Kano’s political equation, one that brings institutional strength, historical continuity, and grassroots expectations into sharper focus. For Kano, politics has never been merely about party symbols. It has always been about structure, performance, and the silent verdict of the electorate, particularly the masses and the elites whose lives are directly affected by governance outcomes rather than political slogans. At the centre of this moment stands Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), whose political influence in Kano and the wider Northwest remains deeply rooted in institutional legacy rather than transient alliances. A Political Shift With Grassroots Echoes Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s move comes at a time when political uncertainty, internal party disputes, and legal battles have continued to unsettle the NNPP’s internal cohesion. For many grassroots stakeholders, especially in rural Kano, political stability is not an abstract concept; it directly affects access to security, agricultural support, education, and market confidence. Read Also: Ganduje Marks Daughter’s Academic Milestone at King’s College London Governor Yusuf Prioritizes Kano, Dismisses 2027 Politics Why Tarauni Remains a Pillar of Kano’s Metropolitan Development The APC, under Ganduje’s leadership at the national level, survived electoral setbacks not by disintegration but through strategic patience, reconciliation, and structural preservation. This resilience has kept the party relevant across wards and polling units, especially in communities where party presence often determines access to governance attention. The Ganduje Years: Governance Beyond the Capital Dr. Ganduje’s tenure as Governor of Kano State (2015–2023) remains a defining reference point in understanding his continued political relevance. His administration prioritised infrastructure expansion beyond Kano metropolis, extending road networks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions into semi-urban and rural areas. Significant budgetary allocations were directed toward: – Education, through school rehabilitation, recruitment of teachers, and scholarship interventions. – Healthcare, particularly primary health centres in rural communities. – Agriculture and livestock development, including grazing initiatives, veterinary services, and rural economic support systems. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje also made strategic investments in the housing sector through the Kano State Investment and Properties Limited, where his administration delivered a low-cost mass housing scheme in Gurjiya. The project was deliberately designed to be accessible to ordinary Kano residents, public servants, and private individuals, creating a realistic pathway to home ownership. By prioritising affordability, the policy helped moderate escalating house rents and distinguished Ganduje’s approach from housing models that remain largely unattainable for the masses. These interventions were not without challenges, but they established a performance record that continues to resonate among voters who equate leadership with visible outcomes. From Power to Influence: How APC Retained Political Gravity Leadership, in Kano’s political culture, is not sustained by office alone. Ganduje’s transition from Governor to National Chairman of the APC demonstrated an evolution from executive authority to institutional stewardship. Under his watch, the APC navigated internal crises, managed post-election tensions, and retained its organisational spine across the Northwest. His approach emphasised negotiation over confrontation, inclusion over exclusion, and long-term party survival over short-term dominance. This institutional strength now provides a platform capable of absorbing political realignments without internal collapse. Why This Moment Matters to Farmers, Herders, and Traders For rural Kano, political realignment is judged by its practical implications. Stability at the top often translates into: – Improved security coordination in farming and grazing communities. – Renewed confidence among traders and small-scale entrepreneurs. – Better alignment with federal agricultural and livestock initiatives. Dr. Ganduje’s historical engagement with rural Kano, including policies affecting herders and farmers has positioned him as a familiar figure to these communities, not merely as a political elite but as a policymaker whose decisions touched their daily realities. The Other Side of the Argument Critics argue that political realignments risk over-centralising power and weakening opposition voices. Others caution that party dominance does not automatically guarantee improved governance outcomes. These concerns are legitimate within a democratic framework. However, Kano’s political history suggests that voter loyalty remains conditional. Performance, credibility, and service delivery ultimately determine political longevity, not proximity to power. Where Leadership Outlives the Moment Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s relevance in Kano politics transcends immediate events. His role in strengthening party institutions, mentoring political actors, and maintaining organisational coherence underscores a broader truth: Kano rewards structure and delivery more than rhetoric. As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf charts his political path, the APC’s institutional depth anchored by Ganduje’s leadership experience offers a framework that prioritises continuity, stability, and governance maturity. History has shown that Kano’s electorate does not permanently surrender its agency to individuals or parties. It evaluates, reassesses, and decides. In that enduring democratic grammar, institutions matter more than moments, and performance remains the final arbiter.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Very soon, Kano’s political landscape will realign, when the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf finally join the All Progressive Congress (APC). When this finally happened, the governor will need a “perfect pair” to keep his stride steady, particularly when the current Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam decided not to defect along with him. Governor Abba Kabir, now in his 63rd year and over two years into office, has already set a pace of urgency, restoration, and a “New Kano” vision. For the State to sustain that momentum, pairing him with a deputy who can match his stride like Hon. Murtala Sule Garo will certainly justify the political realignment. In leadership, a governor and his deputy are like a well‑crafted pair of walking shoes: one provides direction, the other offers support, and together they traverse any terrain. The left shoe (the governor) charts the course, while the right shoe (the deputy) absorbs shock, maintains balance, and keeps the journey comfortable. Their synergy translates into stability, inclusive governance, and relentless progress for Kano. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed The Ganduje Equation: How Kano’s Power Map Leaves Governor Yusuf with Few Options Beyond the Godfather’s Shadow: Why Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Chose Kano Over a Provincial Presidential Quest For so many reasons, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo fits the right shoe. He is from the Kano North Senatorial Zone where the deputy governor position was zoned. He has grassroots credibility. As a former Commissioner for Local Government, he has built a reputation for accessibility and for managing people and resources at the community level. Hon. Murtala, is a bridge‑builder. He can link the NNPP’s existing structures with the APC’s broader network, easing the anticipated party switch and creating a cohesive environment for policy execution. As a grassroots mobilizer, particularly in a state known for political vibrancy, Murtala Sule Garo will play a stabilizer role. His ability to rally wards, councils, and youth groups and turn political apathy into active participation, boosting voter turnout and civic engagement, is assured. What can this pair deliver? Stability from the ground up a solid foundation of local support prevents “small tremors from becoming structural crises,” as analyst Dr. Elena Vance notes, hence with Hon. Murtala Sule Garo providing a buffer to the Governor, political stability will ensue. The pair is capable of further accelerating development in the state with the ongoing projects in water supply, agricultural subsidies, and digital transformation, the governor’s ambitious blueprint gains a reliable executor. Moreover, Murtala’s inclusive approach to governance will further open doors to traditional rulers, youth groups, and private investors fostering collective ownership of Kano’s progress. Hon. Murtala Sule Garo will lock in that trajectory, ensuring the administration’s plans endure and citizens feel the comfort of steady, balanced leadership. Governor Yusuf’s achievements in urban renewal, educational reform, healthcare expansion, and infrastructure upgrades have already earned him a reputation as one of the state’s most effective leaders. Pairing him with Murtala Sule Garo will be the best way forward for the State. Just as a good pair of walking shoes carries a traveler forward with confidence, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Deputy Murtala Sule Garo can lead Kano on a successful, step‑by‑step journey comfortable, supportive, and balanced for every stakeholder. Umar Idris Shuaibu, a digital journalist and political analyst write from Kano 

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano As Governor Abba Kabir navigates his anticipated defection to the APC, and the eminent adamancy of his deputy to remain in NNPP, the substitution of the deputy governor is imminent. However, this is not merely an administrative vacancy to be filled. It is a pivotal strategic decision that will determine whether his political consolidation succeeds or collapses under the weight of competing interests and factional tensions. The question facing the governor is this: who possesses the character, competence, loyalty, and strategic value to serve as his anchor during one of the most turbulent periods of his political career? Moreover, in the event, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam’s impeachment became eminent, the development will obviously intensify hostility within the Kwankwasiyya faction against Governor Abba. In this hostile environment, Abba cannot afford to select a deputy based on regional appeasement or factional compromise. The times demand strength, not capitulation; a leader who brings proven integrity, administrative excellence, and unwavering loyalty. Murtala Sule Garo embodies all of these. His proven loyalty to his political associates, combined with his well-documented generosity and philanthropic commitments, demonstrates a leader of principle and integrity. Garo’s strong family background and standing in society reflect the moral foundation necessary for high public office. In politics, loyalty cannot be manufactured; it must be demonstrated over time. Garo’s track record speaks for itself. A deputy governor who embodies such qualities provides the governor with a trustworthy confidant during periods of political turbulence, which precisely what Governor Abba currently requires as he navigates the choppy waters of defection and factional realignment. Some will argue that Kano South senatorial district deserves the deputy governorship. Read Also: Group Backs Adamu Abdu Fanda for Kano Deputy Governorship, Cites Experience, Competence Dr. Ganduje’s Political School and the Rise of Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure at 48 Kano Power Struggle Heats Up as Yusuf Reappears Without Kwankwaso Allies Their agitation is understandable, and their concerns are legitimate. But political leadership requires more than regional representation; it demands the balancing of competing interests based on merit and strategic necessity. What Murtala Sule Garo brings to the administration far outweighs the representational argument. His proven track record in infrastructure development, educational reform, and grassroots mobilization offers tangible governance benefits that cannot be replicated. Governor Abba can address south senatorial concerns through strategic appointments, board positions, and development projects, as an alternative mechanisms that satisfy regional aspirations without compromising the selection of the most competent deputy. To sacrifice administrative excellence on the altar of regional representation would be to diminish the governor’s capacity to govern effectively and deliver results. Consider, moreover, Kano North’s political configuration. Both Murtala Sule Garo and Hon. Abba Bichi command significant political influence within the APC from this zone. Relationship between Garo and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin politically might look strange, but this reality does not diminish Garo’s stature or viability. Rather, it demonstrates that Kano North’s political strength transcends any individual relationship or factional tension. By selecting Garo, Governor Abba consolidates the zone’s power and ensures robust representation at the highest levels of state governance. The zone’s influence remains undiminished regardless of inter-personal tensions. The deputy governorship is not merely a ceremonial position; it is foundational to the governor’s re-election strategy for 2027. This is where Garo’s true strategic value becomes apparent. With his demonstrated capacity to mobilize hundreds of youth organizations across Kano’s 44 local government areas and his proven administrative competence, he is precisely the ally Governor Abba needs for a successful second-term bid. As Commissioner for Local Governments, Garo spearheaded educational facility renovations across all 44 councils and executed critical infrastructure projects. His prior roles as Special Adviser to the Governor, Kabo Local Government Chairman, and ALGON Chairman demonstrate mastery of both local and state-level governance. This depth of experience is indispensable during political transition. Garo’s network, institutional knowledge, and track record make him an invaluable asset for campaign machinery and governance continuity. Selecting him is not merely an administrative convenience; it is a strategic investment in electoral viability. The choice before Governor Abba is clear. He can select a deputy based on regional appeasement and watch his administration struggle under the weight of competing interests, factional hostility, and weak governance. Or he can select Murtala Sule Garo, a leader who consolidates grass-root power, brings proven administrative excellence, embodies loyalty and integrity, and positions him for a triumphant second term. This is visionary leadership.