Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has endorsed his deputy, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, as his successor in the 2023 governorship election in the state.

The Star learnt that Governor Ganduje endorsed Gawuna as his successor after much pressure from influential party stakeholders in Kano.

Murtala Sule Garo, the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who was believed to have the backing of the wife of the governor, is being tipped to be the running mate of Gawuna.

Garo, a grassroots politician who is believed to be very influential at LGAs, was pressured to step down for the deputy governor in what appears to be final alignment to confront opposition in the 2023 polls.

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It would be recalled that Ganduje succeeded his then principal, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in 2015 before they parted ways shortly after.

However, if this arrangement produces the next governor of Kano State, it would be the only state with deputies succeeding principals consecutively in Nigeria’s democracy since 1999.

Meanwhile, there is disquiet among other aspirants in the APC after Ganduje endorsed his deputy.

While others are yet to make their position known, a former speaker and member representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency, Kabiru Rurum, has dumped the party in protest to the governor’s decision.

The Star