Abba Kabir Yusuf Faces Deputy Crisis as APC Power Blocs Clash
Abba Kabir Yusuf Faces Deputy Crisis as APC Power Blocs Clash
Governor Abba Yusuf is facing a serious political dilemma over the choice of a new deputy governor, with intense pressure from different APC factions ahead of his crucial meeting with Kano State House of Assembly members at Government House on Monday night as reported by daily Nigerian.
Party sources say former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Presidency are strongly backing former Local Government Commissioner Murtala Sule Garo as the preferred candidate. However, powerful blocs from Kano North and Kano South, led by Senators Barau Jibrin and Kawu Sumaila, are resisting a single nominee and are pushing for a three-man shortlist instead.
Critics of Garo’s nomination, including former APC state chairman Abdullahi Abbas, cite zoning imbalance — Garo comes from the same local government as Senator Barau, while Kano North already has a minister (Mariya Bunkure). There are also legal concerns: Garo is facing corruption charges filed by the Yusuf administration and has a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Other names being considered include Salisu Sagir Takai, Kabiru Lakwaya, Ahmed Garba Bichi (proposed as a neutral candidate by Barau’s camp), and Kabiru Rurum (favoured by the Kano South group).
Complicating the situation further is an earlier agreement the governor reportedly struck with House of Assembly Speaker Jibrin Falgore. Lawmakers (at least 28 out of 40) are insisting Falgore be nominated as deputy governor in exchange for their defection to the APC. However, the Presidency is said to have directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to push for Garo, partly due to the recent exit of Nasiru Gawuna from the party.
Governor Yusuf is now desperately seeking a consensus candidate acceptable to all sides as the high-stakes decision could significantly impact his chances of securing a second term in 2027.
