Fresh political manoeuvring is shaping the search for a new deputy governor in Kano, as key All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders have pruned the list of contenders to three names. The selection reflects a delicate balance of experience, acceptability, and political risk.
At a high-level meeting held on Saturday, party leaders submitted the nominees to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for consideration. This move signals a shift from earlier informal alignments toward a more structured consensus-building process.
Nominees submitted to governor for consideration
Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje chaired the meeting, which brought together influential figures including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila.
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The three nominees presented are former Kano State House of Assembly speaker Kabiru Alhassan Rurum; former Local Government commissioner Murtala Sule Garo; and Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority managing director Rabiu Suleiman Bichi.
This development marks a departure from earlier speculation that had centred on the emergence of State Assembly Speaker Jibril Isma’il Falgore and Garo as front-runners. Sources familiar with the deliberations said the process exposed underlying political considerations.
Rurum emerges as preferred choice for stability
Governor Yusuf is reportedly leaning toward Rurum, who is seen as a broadly acceptable figure across party lines and geopolitical zones. A senior party source disclosed that Rurum’s experience and grassroots appeal stood out during discussions, suggesting he could stabilise the political equation.
Rurum, who currently represents the Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, is widely regarded as a seasoned legislator with strong political networks, particularly in Kano South. However, the path to consensus remains complex.
Concerns raised over Bichi and Garo candidacies
Some stakeholders reportedly raised concerns over Bichi’s limited grassroots structure, questioning his ability to mobilise effectively across the state’s diverse political landscape. Garo’s candidacy also attracted scrutiny due to an ongoing corruption case involving alleged financial mismanagement of local government funds.
Although the matter is yet to be resolved in court, sources said it introduced a layer of political sensitivity into the decision-making process. Despite the consultations, the final decision rests with the governor, in line with constitutional provisions that empower him to nominate a deputy governor, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Government remains silent as consultations continue
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State government has yet to issue an official statement on the next step. This leaves the political field open as consultations continue behind closed doors.
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