The resignation of former Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has triggered intense political permutations across the state, with emerging indications that Jibril Isma’il Falgore and Murtala Sule Garo are the dominant figures in the race to occupy the seat.

Our sources said there are other names being considered like Kabiru Ado Lakwaya, a former Commissioner of Youths under former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Some are also pushing for the Chairperson of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yushau. Some sources also said former governorship candidate, Salihu Sagir Takai could be considered for the seat.

Since the Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf moved to the All Progressives Congress, the contending forces in the APC in Kano have realigned.

Though they have all agreed to work together for the success of the party seeing that they would be running against the candidate of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to retain the governorship seat in 2027, there are still conflicting interests.

Gov Yusuf definitely has his mind on someone but he has to consider the interest of party leaders like the former national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau and others.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is Gov. Yusuf, who must navigate competing interests within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Allegations of external influence

Adding another layer of complexity are claims by some stakeholders that there is pressure from powerful political figures to influence the governor’s choice.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a group of concerned citizens alleged attempts to impose a candidate facing corruption charges.

The group warned that such interference could erode democratic principles and create what they described as a “backdoor immunity arrangement.”

While there is no official confirmation of such pressure, the allegation reflects growing anxiety within political circles over the transparency of the selection process.

What initially appeared as a routine constitutional replacement has evolved into a high-stakes political contest, shaped by party dynamics, legal considerations, regional balancing and the broader struggle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gwarzo’s exit, which followed impeachment threats by the Kano State House of Assembly, did more than create a vacancy, it disrupted an already fragile political equilibrium.

Before his resignation, the Assembly had initiated impeachment proceedings over allegations of misconduct linked to his tenure as commissioner. However, lawmakers later abandoned the plan after he stepped down, effectively closing the case politically, but leaving behind a vacuum with far-reaching implications.

Politically, the development has opened a “strategic window” for recalibrating alliances within Kano’s political architecture.

Murtala Sule Garo

Among the contenders, Garo has emerged as a formidable force, backed by strong grassroots network and familiarity with Kano’s political terrain.

A former Commissioner for Local Government and deputy governorship candidate in 2023, Garo is widely seen as a mobiliser with significant influence at the ward and local government levels.

“Garo understands Kano politics from the bottom, up. He has the structure and the loyalty of many grassroots actors,” a party insider who asked not to be named told Daily Trust.

However, his candidacy is complicated by alleged corruption proceedings involving diversion of local government funds.

Comrade Bello Abubakar Ginsau of the Kano Governance and Accountability Forum said, the timing of any appointment must be carefully considered. Adding that accountability should not be sacrificed for political expediency.

Jibril Isma’il Falgore

As Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Falgore has played a central role in aligning the legislature with the executive, ensuring smooth passage of key bills.

Supporters argue that his elevation would strengthen executive-legislative synergy at a critical time.

A pro-government group, the Abba Gida-Gida Intellectual Forum, has openly endorsed his candidacy. The group also pointed to zoning considerations, noting that Kano South — Falgore’s base — has not produced a deputy governor since 1999.

Kabiru Ado Lakwaya

Though as popular like the previous two, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya was a Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State under the then Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, with a reputation for youth engagement and development initiatives.

He has played active roles in party politics, particularly in mobilising young voters and grassroots structures.

He is seen as a rising figure with potential to balance generational interests within the state’s political leadership. He is from Kano north.

Sa’adatu Yusha’u Salisu

The chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano and chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, is being touted as a grassroots mobiliser with strong influence across the 44 local councils.

Analysts note that her leadership within ALGON has strengthened her profile as an advocate of local governance and women’s participation in politics. If appointed, she would make history as Kano’s first female deputy governor and only the second in the North-West.

“Her emergence would send a strong signal on inclusivity, while also addressing agitation from Kano South,” a political observer said.

However, questions remain about whether the political establishment is ready to back a female candidate for such a strategic position in the state.

Salihu Sagir Takai

A former governorship candidate under multiple platforms, adds another layer to the contest. Having contested under the ANPP in 2011 and the PDP in 2015, Takai is considered a seasoned politician with longstanding ties to key power brokers.

He is said to command a loyal following and is being projected in some quarters as a compromise candidate, particularly among stakeholders seeking to counterbalance other interests.

Political analysts, however, note that his past electoral defeats may weigh against him, even as his experience remains an advantage.

With all three contenders from Kano South, their inclusion further underscores growing pressure on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to consider regional balancing in his eventual choice.

Zoning and electoral arithmetic

Kano’s complex political geography remains a critical factor in the selection process.

The state’s three senatorial zones — Kano North, Central and South often shape political appointments to ensure balance.

Analysts note that the two top contenders offer different strategic advantages. While Garo is seen as a grassroots consolidator with influence across multiple zones, Falgore appeals to younger voters.

“The deputy governor slot is also about ticket balancing for 2027. It’s not just about today — it’s about future elections,” said a political commentator, Abdullahi Isah said.

Under Nigeria’s constitution, the governor nominates a deputy governor, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

However, in practice, such nominations are rarely rejected, especially when the Assembly leadership aligns with the executive.

Still, political actors caution that the process must be handled carefully to avoid legal or political complications.

Ultimately, the choice of deputy governor is inseparable from the calculations for 2027 elections.

All the contenders represent different political pathways; that could add to the political weight of Gov. Yusuf in 2027.

Strengths and weaknesses

A political analyst, Dr Kabiru Sufi, has weighed in on the ongoing permutations surrounding the choice of a new deputy governor in Kano State, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of key contenders, Murtala Sule Garo and Jibril Isma’il Falgore.

Sufi said the figures bring distinct advantages to the contest, but also face notable limitations that could influence Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s final decision.

As consultations continue behind closed doors, the race remains finely balanced.

For Governor Yusuf, the decision is more than an administrative necessity, it is a defining political moment that will shape the trajectory of his administration and Kano’s political future. (Daily Trust, excluding headline)