Why Garo Is the Right Man to Deputize Governor Abba
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.
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.
