Murtala Sule Garo took the oath as Kano's new deputy governor on Thursday. The ceremony drew top political and traditional leaders from across the state.
Among those present were former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau. Also in attendance were Senator Barau I.
Jibrin and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf administered the oath to Garo at the event. His confirmation came after the state assembly screened and approved him last week.
Garo replaces Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who resigned on March 27, 2026. Gwarzo chose not to follow the governor when he switched parties.
The swearing-in reflects shifting political alliances within Kano ahead of 2027 elections. Both major camps were represented at the ceremony.
Governor Yusuf won office in 2023 on the NNPP platform alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He later defected to the APC, but Gwarzo refused to join him.
Instead, Gwarzo aligned with Kwankwaso's ADC party. Several politicians once close to Ganduje have since moved toward Kwankwaso's faction.
Notably, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna—the APC's 2023 gubernatorial candidate—has shifted allegiances. These moves signal major realignments across the state's political landscape.
Garo emerged from a shortlist of three candidates for the position. He brings extensive experience as a former commissioner and seasoned political operator.
Speaking after his swearing-in, Garo expressed deep gratitude to the governor. "I stand here with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility on this important day in my life," he told the crowd.
He committed himself to supporting the administration's vision for development. "I accept this responsibility as a call to serve and to support your leadership in advancing the development of Kano State," Garo noted.
Garo also thanked assembly members for approving his nomination. He promised to work closely with the government on all its programmes.
"To the people of Kano State, I remain committed to your service. My role is to support the vision of this administration and ensure that government policies deliver real results," he added.
Governor Yusuf called Garo's appointment a strategic move for unity. It aims to consolidate achievements and maintain stability within government.
According to Yusuf, the choice followed extensive consultations across the state. Inclusiveness and strong leadership guided the decision, he explained.
"Kano State requires tested leadership, unity of purpose, and political stability," the governor said. Garo possesses all three qualities, he argued.
Yusuf urged his deputy to demonstrate complete loyalty to the administration. "There is no issue of 99 per cent loyalty.
You must be loyal 100 per cent," he stated bluntly.
He emphasized the need for full cooperation between them. Working together would advance their shared development vision, Yusuf added.
Recent political developments will strengthen collaboration, the governor noted. Kano's alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's federal government will attract resources.
Yusuf reaffirmed his administration's commitment to good governance and transparency. He called on residents and stakeholders to continue supporting the government's agenda.
