Murtala Sule Garo Biography: Age, Career & Net Worth
Read the full biography of Murtala Sule Garo — Kano politician, former Commissioner, and APC 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate. Learn about his career, family, and net worth.
Murtala Sule Garo is one of Kano State’s most recognisable grassroots politicians. Born and raised in Garo Town, Kabo Local Government Area, he built his reputation from the ground up — moving steadily from a ward-level adviser to one of the most prominent figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in northwestern Nigeria. His political journey is a study in patience, loyalty, and community-driven service.
He is perhaps best known as the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the fiercely contested 2023 Kano State gubernatorial election, running alongside Deputy Governor Nasir Yusuf Gawuna. Beyond the ballot, Garo is widely celebrated for his empowerment programmes, infrastructure advocacy, and his deep-rooted connection to ordinary Kano citizens — qualities that have earned him the nickname “The Commander” among supporters.
Quick Facts About Murtala Sule Garo
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Murtala Sule Garo |
| Date of Birth | 16 May (1970s) |
| State of Origin | Kano State, Nigeria |
| LGA | Kabo Local Government Area |
| Hometown | Garo Town |
| Profession | Politician, Administrator |
| Political Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Wife | Walida Atiku Abubakar |
| Father-in-Law | Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President of Nigeria) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $700,000 USD (as of 2022) |
| Known For | APC Deputy Gov. Candidate, Kano 2023; Former Commissioner |
Early Life and Family Background
Murtala Sule Garo was born and raised in Garo Town, located in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. He hails from a community with a strong tradition of public service, and his personal values — integrity, loyalty, and grassroots commitment — are widely attributed to the influence of his late father, Alhaji Sule Garo, a man many in the area still revere.
Growing up in Kabo LGA gave Garo an intimate understanding of rural challenges — from poor road access to limited educational facilities. This firsthand exposure to the realities of life in northern Nigeria’s countryside would later shape his policy priorities as a government official. He is the son-in-law of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, having married Atiku’s daughter, Walida Atiku Abubakar. The couple is blessed with children.
Education
Murtala Sule Garo received his early education within Kano State. According to official INEC filings for the 2023 elections, his listed qualifications include a First School Leaving Certificate and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from NABTEB. His academic background, while modest compared to some of his political contemporaries, did not limit his rise — a testament to how deeply his career was built on community trust and political acumen rather than elite credentials.
Political Career: From Ward Adviser to Deputy Governorship Candidate
Garo’s political journey began at the most local level possible. He started out as a Special Adviser to the Kabo Local Government Chairman, gaining early exposure to the mechanics of local governance and constituency relations. This grassroots foundation would define his entire career.
He later served as State Organising Secretary under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before transitioning to the APC, where he was appointed Organising Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee. He subsequently served as Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, a role that expanded his reach beyond the local government level and placed him within the inner circles of Kano’s executive power.
Garo was elected Executive Chairman of Kabo Local Government Council and simultaneously served as Chairman of ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria), Kano State Chapter — a position that gave him oversight of local government affairs across all 44 councils in the state. His tenure as ALGON chairman is particularly remembered for his advocacy for rural infrastructure and community development.
His career reached its highest executive point when Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje appointed him Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs — not once, but twice — a rare distinction that reflected the governor’s confidence in his administrative abilities. During this tenure, he facilitated the renovation of primary schools across Kano’s 44 councils, oversaw road construction projects including the Garo-Gadinya road in Kabo, and launched empowerment programmes that provided over 1,200 individuals with startup capital, vehicles, and equipment.
The 2023 Governorship Election
When Governor Ganduje became term-limited in 2023, Garo initially pursued the APC governorship ticket himself. After internal deliberations, he stepped aside in favour of Deputy Governor Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, becoming Gawuna’s running mate as APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the March 18, 2023 election.
The election was one of the most competitive in Kano’s recent history. The APC ticket ultimately lost to NNPP candidate Abba Kabir Yusuf, who won with approximately 51.55% of the vote against Gawuna’s 45.03%. The race was subsequently contested in court. During the campaign period, Garo drew attention for publicly speaking out about the hardship caused by the CBN naira redesign policy — a rare instance of an APC candidate criticising a federal government policy on behalf of his constituents.
Controversy
In late 2022, Garo was involved in a widely reported physical altercation with House of Representatives Majority Leader Alhassan Doguwa at a meeting at Gawuna’s residence. Doguwa publicly accused Garo of supporting PDP presidential nominee Atiku Abubakar — who is also Garo’s father-in-law — in addition to the APC ticket. The incident drew national media attention and temporarily strained APC unity in Kano. Both politicians publicly demanded apologies from each other. The episode highlighted the complex loyalties inherent in Garo’s unique position as both an APC stalwart and Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law.
Post-2023: Continued Relevance in Kano Politics
Despite the APC’s loss in 2023, Garo remained a central figure in the party’s Kano operations. APC youth activists publicly called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint him to a federal cabinet position, describing him as the “supporting pillar” of the party in the state. As of early 2026, Garo’s name also emerged as a contender for the position of Kano State Deputy Governor, following the resignation of incumbent Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, with Ganduje loyalists backing him for the slot.
Net Worth and Philanthropy
Murtala Sule Garo’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $700,000 USD as of 2022, accumulated through years of public service, political activity, and business interests. He is widely known for his personal philanthropy — during Ramadan and Sallah festivities, he has consistently donated millions of naira to families, party members, and community groups. His empowerment programmes have directly benefited thousands of residents across Kabo and the broader Kano State.
Personal Life
Murtala Sule Garo is married to Walida Atiku Abubakar, daughter of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The marriage connects Garo to one of Nigeria’s most powerful political dynasties while also placing him in a uniquely delicate position — supporting the APC while being the son-in-law of a long-time PDP presidential contender. The couple has children together. Despite his prominence in public life, Garo keeps the details of his family life largely private.
Final Thoughts
Murtala Sule Garo’s political story is one of authentic grassroots growth. Few Nigerian politicians can claim to have served meaningfully at every rung of the political ladder — from ward adviser to local government chairman, from ALGON chairman to two-term state commissioner, and finally to deputy governorship candidate. His journey reflects a deep and consistent commitment to the communities that shaped him.
Whether or not he secures a federal appointment or returns to executive office in Kano, Garo’s influence on the state’s political landscape is already significant. His network of youth and women supporters, his track record in rural development, and his reputation for personal generosity ensure that his name will remain relevant in Kano politics for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Murtala Sule Garo?
Murtala Sule Garo is a Nigerian politician from Garo Town, Kabo LGA, Kano State. He is a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under Governor Ganduje and served as the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Kano gubernatorial election.
Q2: Who is Murtala Sule Garo’s wife?
His wife is Walida Atiku Abubakar, the daughter of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The couple has children together and Garo is therefore the son-in-law of one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
Q3: What is Murtala Sule Garo’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately $700,000 USD as of 2022. His wealth comes from years of public service, political engagements, and business interests within Kano State.
Q4: What positions has Murtala Sule Garo held?
He has served as Special Adviser to the Kabo LGA Chairman, APC State Organising Secretary, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, Executive Chairman of Kabo LGA, Chairman of ALGON Kano State Chapter, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under Governor Ganduje — twice.
Q5: Did Murtala Sule Garo win the 2023 election?
No. The APC ticket of Gawuna and Garo lost the March 18, 2023 Kano governorship election to NNPP’s Abba Kabir Yusuf, who secured approximately 51.55% of the vote. The result was later challenged in court.
Q6: What award did Murtala Sule Garo receive?
He was awarded as an outstanding Grassroots Politician by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) — PENGASSAN. The award was presented at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on October 15, 2021.
Q7: Is Murtala Sule Garo still politically active?
Yes. As of 2026, Garo remains one of the most active and influential APC figures in Kano State. His name has been put forward for federal appointment and as a potential Deputy Governor candidate following the resignation of Kano’s incumbent deputy governor.
