Race for Seat of Kano Deputy Governor Heats Up as Speaker, LG Chair Emerge Major Contenders

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Barely 24 hours after the voluntary resignation of Aminu Abdussalam as Kano State Deputy Governor, the vacant position has sparked intense politicking among the chieftains and groups in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, with various leaders pushing to have their preferred candidates as a possible replacement.

The resignation of Abdussalam has triggered lobbying and political realignments among party leaders in the senatorial district of Kano North, where the former deputy governor hails from.

The former deputy governor tendered his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026, amidst political turmoil following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to the APC, which Abdussalam vehemently refused to join.

The former deputy governor’s resignation letter read. “I Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, hereby tender my voluntary resignation from office, with effect from 27th March 2026, pursuant to section 306 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as (amended).

“This decision has been reached after careful consultations and deep reflection, guided by my current experience, commitment to the peace, stability, and overall growth interest of the good people of Kano State.”

Before his resignation, the ex-deputy governor was earlier issued with a two-week ultimatum by the state House of Assembly to respond to financial allegations or face impeachment.

In a petition submitted by the executive arm, which had triggered the impeachment process, urged the assembly to take action against the deputy governor over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs from 2023 to 2024.

Responding to the allegations, Abdussalam further explained in the resignation letter that his action had nothing to do with the assembly’s impeachment move.

“This resignation is made voluntarily and in good faith. It should not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing but rather as a conscious decision in the interest of institutional integrity democratic values and public service” the former deputy governor stated.

Abdussalam is from Gwarzo LGA in Kano North senatorial district, while Governor Yusuf is from Gwale LGA in Kano Central, while the South senatorial district has also produced the House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Jibrin Falgore, from Rogo LGA.

As the search for the next deputy governor continues, APC sources confirmed that among the top contenders include, the Chairperson of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairperson of Tudun Wada LGA, Saadatu Salisu.

The LGA Chairperson and the Speaker, who hail from the same Kano South Senatorial district, were said to be the governor’s top picks, and one of them will likely be chosen for the position.

However, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje is said to be pushing for Murtala Garo, although some APC chieftains were said to have opposed it, on the grounds that he hails from the same senatorial district as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.

Other potential candidates for the position include a member representing Rano Bunkure Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Kabiru Rurum, and a former Commissioner of Local Government, Salihu Takai, among others.