Several residents and suppporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) besieged the streets of Kano in jubilation on Wednesday, following the nomination of Murtala Garo as deputy governor by Governor Abba Yusuf.

Mr Yusuf nominated Mr Garo as his deputy on Wednesday, weeks after his former deputy, Abdussalam Gwarzo resigned from office, citing a “need to ensure stability in governance.” 

In a statement on Wednesday, the governor’s chief press secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, said that Mr Yusuf had transmitted Mr Garo’s name to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as deputy governor.

Following the announcement, several APC members and the new deputy governor stormed parts of Kano city and other local government areas in the state in celebration, chanting victory songs and playing loud music.

A video seen by the Peoples Gazette on Wednesday shows some youths riding motorcycles, driving cars, while several others trekked through major roads, chanting “Sai Abba” and “Sai Garo,” in a show of support for Messrs Yusuf and Garo. They also held placards portraying  the duo and the APC’s logo.

The Kano deputy governor’s seat has been vacant since March 27 after Mr Gwarzo resigned due to political differences. 

Mr Gwarzo joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state, who assisted Messrs Yusuf and Gwarzo to win the 2023 governorship poll on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Mr Yusuf has since joined the APC, pledging his support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.