Kano

By A.A Yassar As Kano steadily moves toward the 2027 general elections, political alignments, quiet negotiations and strategic consultations are already shaping the state’s power dynamics. Beyond the slogans and elite endorsements, one reality remains constant: Kano politics has its winning card at the grassroots. It is within this context that I argue that Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is the right man to deputize Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in 2027. This interplay between Governor Abba’s temperament and Garo’s grassroots credibility becomes both relevant and compelling. Kano is not a state where elections are decided in boardrooms alone. Wards, polling units, community leaders and informal networks still determine electoral outcomes. Garo has over the years built a reputation as one of the most effective grassroots mobilizers in the state. His political strength is not rooted in noise or visibility on social media, but in deep connections with ordinary people, traders, youths, elders and local influencers who ultimately decide or influence votes. As political competition intensifies, particularly with Senator Barau Jibrin’s growing ambition to consolidate control of the APC in Kano, grassroots strength becomes even more critical. Barau’s strategy appears increasingly elite-driven, focused on institutional control and party structure. Historically, in Kano, elite consolidation without popular backing often collapses at the ballot box. Read Also: Waya Hails Governor Yusuf’s Reforms, Calls for End to Political Thuggery in Kano Governor Yusuf Defends APC Move, Insists He Leads Party in Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Yusuf Buhari for House of Reps Seat in Katsina Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo represents the opposite: his style is people-driven. His relevance is amplified precisely at a time when mass mobilization, not party supremacy, will determine who governs Kano in 2027. Most importantly and interestingly Garo remains one of the very few political figures who can safely traverse the Kwankwasiyya political camp without hostility or rejection. This is simply because he is a natural giver and a bridge builder. Across political divides, Garo is widely regarded as someone who empowers rather than exploits, who builds people rather than merely harvests votes. Closely related to this is his deliberate avoidance of toxic politics. In an era marked by insults, misinformation, factional hatred and character assassination, Garo has consistently chosen restraint over provocation. He does not trade in abuse, ethnic baiting or political demonization. This mature political conduct has earned him respect even among opponents and explains his unusual acceptability across rival camps. Equally important is Garo’s long-standing relationship with Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Ganduje’s political machinery has always relied on trusted grassroots operators who understand the political terrain beyond official statistics. Garo has remained central to his network, not just as a loyal ally but as a dependable mobilizer who can translate political decisions into popular acceptability. However, Garo’s closeness to Ganduje has not distanced him from the people. On the contrary, he remains accessible and grounded, an increasingly rare quality in contemporary politics. His ability to position himself astride political elites and grassroots communities makes him a stabilizing force rather than a polarizing figure. The deputy governorship in Kano cannot be treated as a ceremonial position in the coming political cycle. The next administration will face opposition pressure and heightened public expectations. It will require a deputy governor who can defend the administration politically, mobilize support at critical moments and neutralize opposition narratives at the community level. Garo fits into this role not as an alternative power centre, but as a political shock absorber, someone capable of reinforcing Governor Abba’s leadership rather than competing with it. Ultimately, the argument for Garo is not about sentiment, personal loyalty or factional advantage. Rather it is about political realism; a view of how politics plays out in the state. Kano’s political history rewards leaders who understand the streets as much as the system. If Governor Abba’s 2027 ambition is about consolidation, stability and electoral strength, choosing a deputy with a proven grassroots credibility, cross-camp acceptance and a record of non-toxic politics will surely prove decisive.

Discussions over the choice of a running mate for the 2027 Kano governorship election have continued to generate political debate, with stakeholders calling for a balanced and strategic selection that could strengthen party unity and electoral prospects. A former Kano State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mu’azu Magaji, has weighed in on the matter, advocating for regional considerations in the selection of a deputy governor candidate. Magaji noted that while Kano Central already holds the governorship position through Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, attention should be shifted to other senatorial districts to ensure balance and political inclusiveness. He identified Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi from Kano North and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhasan Rurum from Kano South as strong contenders, describing both as credible figures capable of complementing the governor’s leadership. Read Also: Waya Hails Governor Yusuf’s Reforms, Calls for End to Political Thuggery in Kano Kano in Tight Corner as Deputy Governor Nomination Sparks Divisions All You Need to Know About Kiru Local Government Area According to him, either of the two candidates would strengthen the governing arrangement and improve the party’s chances in the next election. Magaji, however, stressed that the final decision rests solely with the governor, whom he described as having the constitutional prerogative to select a running mate of his choice. He suggested that whichever candidate is not selected as deputy governor could be considered for a ministerial position at the federal level, in order to ensure broader political inclusion and balance. The former commissioner also called for the proper political integration of former deputy governorship aspirant Murtala Sule Garo, urging that he be assigned a role that would reinforce internal party cohesion. He further appealed to key political stakeholders, including senators and members of the state assembly, to rally behind the eventual decision of the governor in the interest of party unity and electoral success. Magaji emphasised that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, who is also being linked to the deputy governorship position, would be better positioned in his current legislative role, noting that it offers partnership with the executive arm of government. He expressed optimism that with proper consultation and inclusiveness, the party would emerge stronger and better positioned for future elections, while prioritising the development and stability of Kano State.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared that the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, cannot dictate to him on political matters in the state, insisting that he is now the party’s leader in Kano. The governor made the remark while responding to criticisms trailing his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC, maintaining that his decision was neither an act of betrayal nor politically misplaced. Speaking during a meeting with his supporters, Yusuf said his exit from the NNPP was prompted by internal crises within the party, which he claimed could have negatively affected millions of people in Kano State if left unaddressed. “I want to reaffirm that in breaking away from our former movement, we did not commit any wrongdoing. We raised concerns about the state of affairs in the party because we foresaw the crisis. We offered advice, but it was dismissed,” he said. Read Also: Reps Member Muhammad Hassan Dies After Prolonged Illness According to him, the early decision to leave the party has helped restore calm in the state’s political environment. Yusuf also dismissed allegations that he betrayed the Kwankwasiyya Movement, arguing that some members had earlier left the party without consulting others. “They accuse us of betrayal, but were members informed before some people decided to leave the NNPP? Isn’t that also betrayal?” he queried. On claims that he had aligned with Ganduje to relinquish political control, the governor insisted that his move to the APC represents progress rather than regression. “Abba, who was alone in NNPP, is now among over 31 governors. Is that backwardness or progress?” he asked. Yusuf emphasised that while he maintains mutual respect with Ganduje, he remains firmly in charge of the APC structure in Kano State. “What exists between me and Ganduje is mutual respect. But he cannot give me instructions because I am the leader,” he said. The governor reiterated that his political decisions are guided by the interest of the people, stressing that his administration remains focused on governance and stability in the state.