By: Hadi Abdullahi Muhammad

In recent weeks, I have watched the media space fill up with opinions about who should emerge as the next deputy governor of Kano state. That in itself is normal in politics. What is not normal, however, is the growing wave of attacks against Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.

I initially chose to stay silent, but the level of distortion and coordinated falsehood I have seen pushed into the public space has compelled me to speak. I do not have any personal relationship with Garo, but I strongly believe no one deserves to be treated unjustly.

What is happening goes beyond healthy political debate. It looks, to me, like a deliberate campaign to damage a man’s reputation, driven less by public interest and more by internal power struggles within the APC.

Garo, widely known as “Commander,” is not just any politician; he is one of the most visible grassroots mobilisers in Kano. At a time when he is being considered as a possible deputy to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, he has suddenly become the target of renewed allegations and recycled narratives clearly aimed at weakening his chances.

With Governor Yusuf now firmly positioned within the APC and widely expected to secure an automatic ticket, it is obvious that some political ambitions have been disrupted. Among those affected are those, whose own governorship aspirations appear to have suffered a setback.

In politics, when ambitions are blocked, battles often shift direction. That is why I believe the sustained attacks on Garo should not be viewed in isolation. They reflect a larger struggle for influence.

What I find most troubling is the selective use of allegations as political weapons. Some of the same voices attacking Garo are themselves linked to unresolved allegations. Yet, they speak as if guilt has already been established against him, which is unfair.

Our laws are clear: every accused person is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. In Garo’s case, the allegations against him are still unresolved. Some related charges have even been dismissed, and there appears to be little enthusiasm from the complainant to pursue the matter seriously. What we are seeing, therefore, is not justice; it is a media trial.

Beyond all the noise, there is a simple truth that cannot be ignored: Murtala Sule Garo has a strong connection with the people. He is not a politician who only exists in Abuja. His relevance is rooted in Kano’s communities across local governments, among youths, traders, farmers and party loyalists.

Since the APC left office in 2023, he has remained one of those quietly keeping the party structure alive, supporting members and maintaining political engagement at the grassroots.
His record in office also speaks for itself. From supporting education and infrastructure projects to empowering young people with startup capital and tools, he has shown a practical commitment to development. These are not just promises; they are visible efforts that people can relate to.

In a state like Kano, where young people make up a large part of the population, this kind of grassroots connection matters. Garo brings energy, experience, and political relevance. He understands the base and knows how to mobilise it.
That is why the decision before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is an important one. Choosing a deputy is not just about filling a position; it is about strengthening governance and securing political stability ahead of the next election.

My advice is simple: for all to ignore the noise. Negative campaigns, especially those driven by internal rivalries, can be misleading. They often reduce complex individuals into one-sided narratives. But leadership requires looking beyond by focusing on facts, performance and political reality.

Garo is not perfect. No politician is. But perfection is not the standard; capacity is. The real question is whether he has what it takes to contribute meaningfully to governance and help strengthen the party. In my opinion, he does.

I also believe the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not overlook a politician like Garo. Grassroots leaders with real followership are not easy to find, and they should not be discarded lightly.

If anything, yielding to smear campaigns will only weaken party unity and alienate a significant part of Kano’s political base. On the other hand, making a fair, independent decision based on merit will send a strong message of leadership and integrity.

At the end of the day, this is not just about Murtala Sule Garo. It is about the kind of politics we want to practice, one driven by fairness or one shaped by manipulation. For me, the choice is clear.

Hadi Abdullahi Muhammad Garangamawa, a social analyst, writes from Kumbotso Local Government, Kano State