Politics in Kano State has long been a theatre of influence, loyalty, and calculated realignments—where political structures are not merely built on party platforms but on enduring personalities and ideological followership.
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
Politics in Kano State has long been a theatre of influence, loyalty, and calculated realignments—where political structures are not merely built on party platforms but on enduring personalities and ideological followership. For decades, the state’s political ecosystem has revolved around dominant figures, most notably Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose Kwankwasiyya Movement reshaped grassroots mobilization and electoral dominance across the state. Kano’s politics, therefore, is less about parties and more about political currents driven by charismatic leadership, patronage networks, and strategic defections.
At the centre of this evolving drama is Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose recent nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor has triggered fresh conversations about loyalty, political survival, and the permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The nomination, coming 26 days after the resignation of former deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is more than a routine constitutional process—it is a strategic move in Kano’s high-stakes political chessboard.
A History Defined by Power Blocs
To understand the implications of Garo’s nomination, one must revisit Kano’s political trajectory. Since the return to democracy in 1999, the state has oscillated between powerful blocs led by figures such as Ibrahim Shekarau and Kwankwaso. While Shekarau built a reputation rooted in conservative governance and grassroots appeal, Kwankwaso cultivated a mass-oriented political movement that has remained formidable across electoral cycles.
Kwankwaso’s influence became even more pronounced after his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the New Nigeria Peoples Party, under which platform Governor Yusuf emerged victorious in the 2023 governorship election. The NNPP’s success in Kano was widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of Kwankwaso’s enduring political machinery and the loyalty of the Kwankwasiyya base.
However, recent developments suggest a shift in this long-standing alignment. Kwankwaso’s reported political recalibration and eventual movement toward the African Democratic Congress have introduced a new layer of uncertainty, fragmenting the once cohesive Kwankwasiyya structure and opening the field for new alliances.
Yusuf’s Strategic Pivot to APC
Governor Yusuf’s own political journey has taken a dramatic turn. After rising to power on the NNPP platform, his recent alignment with the APC marks a significant realignment that underscores the fluidity of Kano politics. Observers see this move as both pragmatic and tactical—aimed at consolidating federal support while weakening opposition strongholds ahead of 2027.
The nomination of Murtala Garo, a known APC figure who served under former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, reinforces this narrative. Garo’s political pedigree within the APC and his previous role as running mate to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna signal an attempt by Yusuf to bridge divides within the APC and absorb its structures into his evolving political base.
Insiders suggest that this move is also a response to Gawuna’s defection to the ADC, a development that threatened to weaken APC cohesion in the state. By bringing Garo into the fold, Yusuf appears to be neutralizing internal dissent while expanding his political reach.
The 26-Day Power Struggle
The delay in announcing a replacement for the deputy governor was not without intrigue. Multiple contenders, including Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, were reportedly in contention, reflecting intense lobbying and factional negotiations within Kano’s political elite.
Garo’s eventual emergence is widely seen as a compromise candidate—acceptable to both APC stakeholders and elements within Yusuf’s inner circle. Yet, his nomination is not without controversy. Ongoing investigations into alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure in local government administration, alongside past allegations of electoral misconduct, remain part of his political baggage.
Shadows of the Past: Allegations and Political Memory
Kano’s political memory is long, and past events continue to shape present realities. The 2019 governorship election remains a defining moment, when Garo and Gawuna were implicated in the disruption of collation processes in Nasarawa Local Government—an incident that led to the declaration of the election as inconclusive by Independent National Electoral Commission.
Ironically, Governor Yusuf—then the opposition candidate—was at the receiving end of that disruption. Today, his decision to align with figures associated with that episode illustrates the complex pragmatism that defines Kano politics, where yesterday’s adversaries can quickly become today’s allies.
Kwankwaso’s Shadow and the ADC Factor
Despite Yusuf’s realignment, the shadow of Kwankwaso looms large. His influence, though potentially diluted by internal fractures and defections, remains a potent force. Should his alignment with the ADC solidify, Kano could witness a three-way contest in 2027 involving the APC, ADC, and remnants of the NNPP.
Kwankwaso’s ability to mobilize grassroots support, particularly among the youth and urban voters, cannot be underestimated. His political decisions will likely determine whether the ADC emerges as a viable third force or merely a spoiler in the electoral equation.
Shekarau and the Silent Forces
Equally significant is the role of elder statesmen like Ibrahim Shekarau, whose political relevance endures despite shifting party affiliations over the years. Shekarau’s network, though less flamboyant than Kwankwaso’s, remains influential, particularly among conservative voters and religious constituencies.
His potential alignment—whether with the APC, ADC, or another platform—could prove decisive in shaping voter behavior and coalition-building ahead of 2027.
2027: A Gathering Storm
As Kano inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the nomination of Murtala Garo is emblematic of broader political recalibrations. Governor Yusuf’s strategy appears clear: consolidate power through cross-party alliances, weaken opposition figures through strategic appointments, and position himself at the centre of a redefined political coalition.
Yet, Kano’s political terrain is notoriously unpredictable. The interplay between Kwankwaso’s enduring influence, Yusuf’s strategic maneuvering, APC’s institutional strength, and emerging opposition dynamics sets the stage for what could be one of the most fiercely contested elections in the state’s history.
For now, Garo’s confirmation—if approved by the State House of Assembly—may stabilize the immediate governance structure. But beneath the surface, the real contest has already begun: a battle for the soul of Kano politics, where loyalty is fluid, alliances are temporary, and 2027 remains the ultimate prize.
