Garo’s Grassroots Clout Will Deliver Kano to Yusuf in 2027 — Kwankwaso
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described the renomination of Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s running mate for the 2027 governorship election as a calculated political decision that could strengthen the administration’s electoral prospects across the state’s 44 local government areas.
Kwankwaso said Garo’s longstanding relationship with political, traditional and religious leaders at the grassroots has earned him uncommon goodwill, making him a formidable asset to the governor’s re-election bid.
According to him, Garo’s influence is rooted in years of service within the local government system, particularly during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government in the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
“During his time as Commissioner for Local Government, Garo played a significant role in strengthening the local councils. More importantly, he built enduring relationships with stakeholders across the 44 local government areas, and those relationships remain strong today,” Kwankwaso said.
He noted that Garo’s political network extends beyond public office, arguing that the Deputy Governor has maintained regular engagement with grassroots leaders even when he was not occupying a government position.
“Today, there is hardly any politician in Kano who commands the level of respect Garo enjoys among local government stakeholders. His accessibility and consistency have earned him widespread acceptance across the state,” he added.
Kwankwaso also cited Garo’s experience as Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State as credentials that further cemented his grassroots appeal.
Beyond his political experience, he described the Deputy Governor as a loyal and disciplined public servant whose humility has endeared him to colleagues and supporters alike.
“Garo is someone who respects constituted authority and remains loyal to those he serves. You hardly find him engaging in unnecessary confrontation or acts capable of undermining his leaders. Those qualities have continued to distinguish him,” he said.
The finance director commended Governor Yusuf for retaining Garo on the 2027 ticket, expressing confidence that the partnership would consolidate political support across Kano.
“With Garo on the ticket, I am convinced Governor Yusuf is well positioned to secure overwhelming support across the 44 local government areas in 2027,” Kwankwaso said.
Governor Yusuf had announced Garo’s nomination, saying the decision was informed by the Deputy Governor’s loyalty, competence and commitment to the administration’s vision for Kano State.
“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy. He has proven to be the right choice, and I have every confidence in him,” the governor said, describing his deputy as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s development agenda.
The governor’s endorsement has drawn positive reactions from political stakeholders, with supporters describing the Yusuf-Garo ticket as a blend of experience, loyalty and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.