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Kano’s Peculiar Politics in Swap of Political Godfathers

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4 months ago

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Kano Map

 

By Abba Anwar

In less than four years, major political actors who challenged each other in the 2023 gubernatorial race on different political platforms, who were diametrically opposed to each other, swapped platforms and political godfathers. A rare political reality which manifests in decades in some political settings.

When the winner of 2023 gubernatorial race, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, joined All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of the former Governor of the state, His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, his major challenger His Excellency Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, exited from APC to African Democratic Congress (ADC) and principally under the former Governor of the state, His Excellency Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, leader of Kwankwasiyya.

But what is so fascinating is the fact that, all the running mates of these gubernatorial candidates did not change the direction of their loyalty, neither did they change political platforms to join their hitherto arch-rivals. As governor Yusuf run to Ganduje, by extension, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gawuna in a swift move, inches towards Kwankwaso.

Yusuf’s running mate and later Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, remains intact with Kwankwaso. As Gawuna’s running mate His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, remains with Ganduje and APC. My reader should know that, only Allah can make this arrangement possible. Something beyond quick human comprehension.

Some observers translated the action of the two running mates, as genuine and honest display of loyalty to their bosses. As some also believe that, the actions of both Yusuf and Gawuna are not stark betrayal of the process, but soul search and safeguarding their steps.

In recent political development in the country, such kind of loyalty switchover, happens only in Kano in decades. I stand to be corrected.

Going by the understanding that, both Garo and Gwarzo remain intact and obedient in their display of true loyalty to the cause they believe in and the political direction, that also means they are reliable in their own right. Coincidentally the duo come from the same zone, Kano North. But with different political relevance, strength and influence.

While Garo can boast of solid and complete political structure across all the 44 local governments, Gwarzo can hardly boast of that across Kano North alone. Their political influence is ocean apart. Not to talk of political dominance in the true manifestation of reality.

There could be no much qualms in swapping godfathers between Yusuf and Gawuna. The major concern according to some observers, is how to manage the environment around their new bosses. The environment is largely political, followed by social understanding and meaning attach to new realities of alignment and realignment.

The legal environment is more visible and effective around Gawuna’s new place, the ADC. You remember what the electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said recently about the possibility or impossibility of ADC’s chance to stand for an election come 2027?

Both Yusuf and Gawuna are prone to challenges in their new platforms. For the governor, his challenges are largely self-inflicted. The ball and players are all in his court, to make or mar. I’m sure His Excellency the governor, is aware that among those who cross-carpeted to Tinubu’s APC with him, there are moles, who have since started spying on him on all inches in governance and political decisions. No doubt about this.

Frankly speaking, the people’s governor, Yusuf, has four fundamental issues that need to be address immediately and squarely. If he really needs to remain in the corridor of power beyond 2027. There could be smaller attachments of issues that also need his attention.

First and foremost, is the Emirship tussle. Though the case is in court, but still, as number one citizen and Chief Security officer of the state, he knows pretty well that, the people of Kano are more comfortable with His Highness, Aminu Ado Bayero, as Emir of Kano. Anything short of this, is minus and virus. So for him to continue romancing with Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, is self-destructive and evasive.

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Secondly, this issue of who occupies the seat of Deputy Governor after the resignation of the former Deputy, Gwarzo, is only delicate and fragile, if our able governor makes it as such. It is very clear, open and un-arguable for all, to tell you who the cap fits, sentiment apart. This is where governor Yusuf, as a leader, I won’t say MUST, but SHOULD, work it out himself. Without being told or directed. He knows the danger of where he came from and he knows what he needs, the most now. So deep inside his mind, he knows the right choice for him, his government and the state.

There is an array of potential suitors here, as being carried out in the media, in private discussions, around politicians, etc etc. See the list, Malam Salihu Sagir Takai, one time gubernatorial candidate under the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), and a former Commissioner during Malam Ibrahim Shekarau administration and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, former Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, and now member, House of Representatives.

Others are Murtala Sule Garo former State Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), former State Organizing Secretary of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Deputy Gubernatorial candidate during 2023 election and the current State Chairman of ALGON, the Chairman of Tudunwada local government, Sa’adatu Yusha’u.

So also the current Speaker State House of Assembly, Right Hon Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Whether true or false, President Tinubu “directed” or adviced that Garo should be picked, I think governor Yusuf knows what trouble Garo can prevent for the government when he partakes in the administration of the state. He also knows what tragedy and trouble can befall his administration and re-election bid when Garo is deliberately and persistently sidelined.

I’m not interested in verifying what Tinubu said to governor Yusuf or Ganduje recently at the Villa. I’m also not interested in knowing what exactly transpired between Yusuf and Ganduje after their separate meetings with Tinubu.

But I came across a story that, during governor’s meeting with Ganduje at latter’s residence in Asokoro, it was reported that, the governor pledged to make consultation on the issue of Garo’s choice as deputy governor. So if there was really a directive from Mr President concerning the choice of Garo, it is obvious that, the governor may not even think of making consultation.

But one thing, a bitter and probably uncomfortable truth is, keeping Garo away from the seat of the deputy governor is as equal as running away, in high speed, from victory, come 2027. If I may say a word to the governor, this issue of deputy governorship position, should not be as dilly-dallying as his (governor’s) entry into APC. Governor should just make a decision once and for all.

Before governor Yusuf joined APC many possible dates were given, with so many postponements. His Excellency the governor should please know that, this issue of deputy governorship seat is much more important than any other thing when it comes to preparation for re-election bid. Slightest mistake could be suicidal.

Based on the assessment conducted, I said it above, sentiment aside, qualities or criteria, people set for a rightful person for the position of deputy governor, Garo possesses them all above other contenders. I’m saying this without any bias or sentiment.

Some of such qualities are, political spread of an individual across the state, with structures across all the 44 local governments, a man of his word, his yes is yes and his no is no, reserve and calculative. Someone who can get support across all the parties, even from Kwankwasiyya, PDP and ADC. Whose magnanimous engagement is still intact. Someone whose loyalty does not dangle, neither his belief in what he believes in. Please our governor, the deputy governor should not be starved. He should get such opportunity to discharge his responsibilities diligently and effectively.

The third issue on the list, is, it is absolutely important for the governor to make sure that he, even if it means singlehandedly, should strive hard and amend all fences, especially within the traditional APC members. All factions, imagined and real, within APC, should come back to the drawing board and work together for his government and the state. Anything short of this is a political blunder.

The fourth and the last issue in this category, is, His Excellency Yusuf should please release resources, that are releaseable to local government councils for them to manage people at the grassroot. Local government chairmen are closer to the people Sir.

The same thing should apply to all his appointees, ranging from cabinet members, Advisers, Heads of Agencies and his Special Assistants. Particularly his Media Aides and Special Assistants. His Excellency should know that, we are now in an emergency situation, where many hands must be on deck.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 3rd April, 2026

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2027: Loyalty Reloaded As Gov Yusuf Picks Deputy Garo As Running Mate

Published

3 days ago

on

July 14, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

I chose to caption this piece “2027 Loyalty Reloaded…” bearing in mind what His Excellency Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf said, to show his absolute confidence in his Deputy His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, as governance pays back for loyalty.

It was at the instance of all federal political appointees meeting with the governor at Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, when the Governor bluntly announced to the faces and hearing of all that, “I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him.”

This puts a halt to all speculations before picking HE Garo as Deputy Governor that, his loyalty could be divided when appointed as the Deputy Governor after the resignation of the former Governor, His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

To zip the mouth and bad intention of some politicians and to let everyone who cares to listen that, in less than four months, Governor Yusuf believes in HE Garo’s total and absolute loyalty, he picks him again to become his running mate come 2027.

He disclosed this during the meeting as disclosed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa Director General Media and Publicity, in a press release issued, that “Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially announced the nomination of his Deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.”

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The release discloses that, “He expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between them, noting that Garo had demonstrated competence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.” I now understand the main reason and wisdom behind Governor’s bold decision in sending his Deputy as his representative, in major events. Within and outside Kano.

If not because of this trust and confidence the Governor has in his Deputy he wouldn’t have sent the Deputy to stand for him, during the visit of the high-powered delegation from European Union Ambassadors, USA Independence Day held in US Embassy Abuja and the just concluded Northern Governors Security Summit, among many other equally important events. Only loyalty, from Deputy’s side and confidence from Governor’s side, give this golden opportunity.

Part of the testimony given by the Governor for his choice in HE Garo, as running mate for 2027 is for his “… outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor,” speaks volumes about Deputy’s place in both the heart of his principal, the Governor and the art of governance in the state. By now HE Garo understands most significantly and clearly that, loyalty pays. What pays the most, is trust in Allah’s overall decisions, as says repeatedly by the Deputy. All those close to him know what I’m saying exactly.

The release reiterated that, the Governor has all the backing and goodwill support for the Deputy, indicating the nadir of the confidence of the Governor in his Deputy. As the release reads, “The Governor also passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s drive to deliver meaningful development across Kano State.”

As a responsible leader who cares about the the unity, strength and the survival of the party beyond election periods, he urged, “… party leaders, political appointees, and supporters to remain united and committed as the administration continues to consolidate on its achievements while preparing for the 2027 general elections.”

By whatever standard and measurement, the union between Governor Yusuf and his Deputy, Garo, started on sound footing with the full support, cooperation and honest engagement of the Governor. While the Deputy is paying back with true loyalty embedded with good substance.

This features stronger administration and focused leadership. The way HE Garo responds to party demands and governance, with the consent of his principal, the Governor, it becomes clearer that, it will be a finer, healthier and merrier 2027 and beyond.

Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 14th July, 2026

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How Umar Haruna Doguwa Is Uniting Kano APC for Tinubu and Governor Abba to Succeed in 2027 Elections

Published

6 days ago

on

July 12, 2026

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By Sadiq Ali Sango

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the importance of party unity cannot be overstated. Political parties that enter elections divided often struggle to achieve their objectives, regardless of the popularity of their candidates.

In Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Haruna Doguwa, appears to have made unity the cornerstone of his leadership.

Since assuming office as chairman of the Kano APC, Doguwa has devoted considerable energy to reconciling party members, strengthening internal structures and restoring confidence among stakeholders.

His leadership style has been characterised by consultation, inclusiveness and constant engagement with party leaders and grassroots members across the state.

One of the notable developments under his leadership has been the return of key political figures to the APC.

The decision of former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and prominent politician Bello Hayatu Gwarzo to join the party has been widely interpreted by supporters as evidence of renewed confidence in the APC’s leadership and direction in Kano.

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Another important test of leadership came during the party’s primary elections. In many states, party primaries often end in prolonged disputes and defections.

In Kano, however, the APC leadership worked to minimise disagreements. Where misunderstandings arose, Doguwa reportedly prioritised dialogue and reconciliation, meeting with stakeholders and encouraging peaceful resolutions.

These efforts helped the party move forward with fewer internal divisions.

His commitment to party cohesion is perhaps most visible in his ongoing tour of Kano’s 44 local government areas. Rather than limiting his engagements to state-level meetings, he has chosen to visit local party structures, meeting with elders, women, youth groups and ward executives.

The objective is to strengthen relationships, address concerns, encourage unity and prepare the party’s grassroots machinery well ahead of the next elections.

Supporters believe this grassroots mobilisation is essential because Kano has historically played a decisive role in Nigeria’s electoral politics.

A united and well-organised party structure, they argue, will be better positioned to mobilise voters and conduct effective campaigns.

Doguwa’s political mission extends beyond managing the affairs of the APC. His ambition is to build a united platform capable of supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and all APC candidates in achieving success in the 2027 elections. This objective explains his emphasis on reconciliation, inclusion and grassroots engagement.

Doguwa believes that electoral success begins long before campaigns officially commence. It starts with building trust among party members, resolving differences early and ensuring that every stakeholder feels valued. His consultations across the state reflect that philosophy.

Politics is ultimately about organisation as much as popularity. Elections are won not only through campaign rallies but also through strong party structures, disciplined members and effective grassroots mobilisation.

As the countdown to the next general elections continues, sustaining internal cohesion may prove to be one of the APC’s greatest assets. If the current reconciliation efforts are maintained and the party continues to consolidate its support base, Kano APC could approach the 2027 elections with greater confidence and organisational strength than it has enjoyed in recent years.

Sadiq Ali Sango is an APC Youth Activist based in Kano

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Kano Secured: HE Garo Represents Gov Yusuf at High-Level Northern Security Summit

Published

7 days ago

on

July 11, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

Kano State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo represented his principal, His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the recently held Northern Nigeria Security Summit in Kaduna. An action commended by experts bearing in mind the legacy left by HE Garo in the promotion of peace and security when he was Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs. Among other reasons.

It is believe that, Governor Yusuf saw wisdom in sending his Deputy, for the simple reason that, he clearly understands how HE Garo was instrumental in the peace the state enjoyed before his coming to power in 2023. In the last administration.

At the state level, before the coming of this administration, the then administration gave Garo, then Commissioner, some portion of the responsibility of promoting peace and fighting insecurity across our 44 local government areas. Go and ask for further details from the then Chairmen of the LGs. And see productivity and commitment in place.

Zonal Security Summits were held across the three Senatorial Districts the, when local government councils played key role in collaboration with security agencies in managing the entire process. As Commissioner for local governments, Garo proved his mettle in the areas of peace building and standardization of security architecture and network.

Those who were involved in the process then, can better understand what this piece is saying. One cannot take away the credit of peace building and secured environment in the state, in the last administration. That became possible and sustainable due to the full cooperation of the security agencies and the proper teamwork of relevant stakeholders.

I was amazed when I spotted HE Garo in Kaduna in the midst of Northern states’ governors attending an all-important and all-inclusive Northern Nigeria Security Summit, which is still in the labor room trying to give birth to Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund. Where each and every state is earmarked and expected to contribute One Billion Naira (N1b) monthly.

The Summit was under the leadership of the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor of Gombe state, His Excellency Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa, came at the right time and with the right people, our able Governors. May Almighty Allah see you through.

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I saw wisdom in Governor Yusuf’s decision to send his Deputy HE Garo to represent him there. Apart from being another indication showcasing how confident the Governor is, in his Deputy, it also clearly shows that HE Yusuf knows and understands why teamwork with clear purpose means.

I can still remember vividly clear that in the last administration Garo’s unwavering support to peaceful Kano, through enhancement of community policing strategy and management, stemming from our local communities was visible and encouraging. Kudos to all the then local governments Chairmen, across all the 44 local governments in the state.

With this Security Trust Fund, if allowed to work, with the federal cooperation, the eluded peace in the North could start rebooting. Especially when political will is embedded in the entire process.

When Governor Inuwa highlighted that, “Across the North, in every state, the threats posed by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other forms of criminality have continued to undermine peaceful coexistence, disrupt livelihoods and weaken social cohesion, thereby slowing down the pace of development in our great region,” what readily came to my mind was, how Governor Yusuf’s administration is putting efforts on youth empowerment and fight against drug abuse.

To fight the nefarious activities of the underworld, Kano established Neighborhood Watch Guards few months back. They are dispatched to communities for enhancing our security system and strategy. Vices like house burglary, phone snatching, etc are downsized profoundly. Unlike before the coming on board of the Watch. This also helps in drastically changing the narrative on youth restiveness.

Few days to the Northern Nigeria Security Summit, Kano state Governor Yusuf announced the establishment of the High-Powered State Task Force on Fight Against Drug Abuse. What is so fascinating, is not the body, but the leadership and its structure. The leadership of the Task Force alone shows political will and genuine commitment from the part of the government.

In other words, Kano has been aligning with the philosophy behind the spirit of the just unveiled Northern Nigeria Security Summit, which gives birth to the Security Trust Fund.

The Governor’s representative in the person of HE Garo reveals much in the honest commitment of the state. Being one of the brains behind Kano’s feats in the area of peace and security, as obtained in the last administration. His contributions towards the peaceful Kano then, was spotted by many security operatives at the time. So sending him to represent his principal, the Governor, at the Northern Security Summit, was not by mere coincidence. It was assessed, deliberated upon, agreed and soundly designed.

The LOYAL DEPUTY (emphasis mine), as described by Governor Yusuf in recently held public event, believes in charting a new course for the security of Kano, Northern Nigeria and the country in general. In so many private discussions long before now, since his time as Commissioner in the last administration, I know how deeply concerned he has been in the security of the Northern Nigeria. So exposing him to this regional effort is commendable by all standard.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 11th July, 2026

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