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.

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

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.

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

I am neither a praise singer, a bloviator, nor a rabble-rouser. In fact, I have deliberately avoided writing personalities into public discourse unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Today, however, I find myself making an exception.

That exception is the Deputy Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, popularly known as Commander.

Some may ask: Why him? Why now?

The answer is simple.

Recently, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf publicly acknowledged the loyalty, commitment and dedication of his deputy. Though I am paraphrasing the governor’s remarks, the message was unmistakable. It was not the routine political compliment often exchanged in public gatherings. It was an expression of confidence that appeared to come from conviction.

In government, trust is one of the most valuable currencies. Governors do not hand over sensitive assignments to deputies simply because protocol demands it. They do so because they believe such assignments will be executed competently and faithfully.

Since assuming office as Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo has increasingly become one of the governor’s trusted representatives in engagements that require diplomacy, policy articulation and relationship-building. The pattern is becoming difficult to ignore.

Perhaps the clearest example came during the recent strategic visit by a high-powered delegation of European Union Heads of Mission and their deputies, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot.

Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Garo received the delegation and held discussions on issues critical to Kano’s development. The meeting focused on sustainable urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion, infrastructure, climate resilience and investment opportunities.

During the engagement, Kano State presented its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, outlining a long-term vision for sustainable metropolitan growth, improved infrastructure, regional integration and economic expansion. Garo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability and creating an enabling environment for responsible local and international investment. The delegation included representatives of UNICEF, GIZ, Plan International, UN-Habitat and other international development partners, underscoring the strategic importance of the engagement.

The assignment was significant. International diplomacy demands preparation, confidence and clarity. Every statement made during such engagements reflects not only the individual speaking but the entire government. That Governor Yusuf entrusted his deputy with that responsibility speaks volumes about the confidence he has in him.

Moreso, Garo again represented Kano State at the North-West Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty. The dialogue brought together governors, policymakers and development partners to deliberate on practical solutions to poverty, youth unemployment and inclusive economic growth across the North-West. Observers noted that many of the development priorities he articulated during the EU engagement aligned closely with discussions at the regional forum, reinforcing Kano’s commitment to collaborative development.

These are not ceremonial appearances. They are responsibilities that require an understanding of governance, diplomacy and development policy.

Effective governance depends largely on the relationship between a governor and a deputy governor. History has shown that where distrust exists, government often loses focus and the people ultimately pay the price. Conversely, when there is mutual confidence, responsibilities are delegated effectively, decisions are implemented more efficiently and governance becomes more responsive.

The recent public commendation by Governor Yusuf therefore carries significance beyond mere politics. It suggests that Kano currently enjoys a leadership partnership built on cooperation. If that relationship continues to grow, it can only strengthen the administration’s capacity to deliver on its promises.

Judging by the governor’s public endorsement and the calibre of responsibilities already entrusted to him, Murtala Sule Garo appears to be earning that confidence through service rather than rhetoric.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is steadily defining the office of the Deputy Governor. By God’s Grace, history will ultimately place him among Kano’s most impactful deputy governors.

Time, as always, will be the ultimate judge.

Muazzamu Muhammad writes from Kano State