Key stakeholders of the All Peogressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have forwarded the names of three candidates to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for consideration as the next deputy governor.
The decision was reached during a meeting held on Saturday after extensive consultations among party leaders. The meeting was led by former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and attended by Governor Yusuf, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, and other top party figures.
At the end of the meeting, the names of former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, former Commissioner for Local Government Murtala Sule Garo, and former Secretary to the State Government Rabiu Suleiman Bichi were submitted for the governor to choose one.
The deputy governor’s seat has remained vacant since the resignation of former deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo following impeachment threats by the Kano State House of Assembly over alleged financial misconduct.
Before this development, there had been speculation that the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, and Murtala Garo were leading contenders for the position. However, the latest move indicates a shift toward broader internal consultations within the party before a final decision is made.
Although the constitution empowers the governor to appoint a deputy, subject to the approval of the State Assembly, such internal party consultations play a significant role in shaping the final outcome.
A reliable source at the meeting revealed that Governor Yusuf appears to be leaning toward Kabiru Rurum, citing his experience and wide acceptance.
“The governor seems more inclined toward Rurum due to his experience and strong grassroots appeal. This was evident during the discussions,” the source said.
The source also noted concerns among some stakeholders regarding Rabiu Bichi, who is perceived as lacking strong political support across the state.
“Some stakeholders are not convinced about Bichi, as they believe he does not have the capacity to unite people across Kano,” the source added.
Regarding Murtala Garo, while he is said to enjoy significant support, concerns were raised about corruption allegations against him, which reportedly influenced deliberations.
“There were concerns about the corruption allegations against Garo. Although nothing has been proven, the issue carries political weight,” the source said.
Kabiru Rurum, who represents Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is widely regarded as an experienced politician from southern Kano with strong legislative credentials and grassroots influence.
Murtala Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the Ganduje administration, is also popular among APC members in Kano.
Rabiu Bichi, who is an experienced administrator and Managing Director of the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, is seen as having relatively limited political support in Kano’s competitive landscape.
However, the Kano State Government has not issued any official statement regarding the next step in appointing a new deputy governor.
