By Mutawakkilu Ibrahim Idris

The political atmosphere reached a fever pitch this week as the House of Assembly conducted the screening of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo for the office of Deputy Governor. While the constitutional requirement of the screening is a formal administrative process, the scene at the Assembly complex told a much deeper story: one of absolute party harmony, grassroots loyalty, and a strategic realignment that has effectively unified the political landscape. The nominee did not arrive as a lone figure; he was ushered into the chamber by a “grand coalition” of stakeholders that spanned the entire spectrum of leadership. The sheer volume and diversity of the entourage served as an unmistakable confirmation of Garo’s total acceptability across all party organs and a testament to the fact that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made a highly credible and strategic decision.

In a remarkable display of commitment, the majority of these stakeholders traveled all the way from Abuja and other distant parts of the country specifically to witness the exercise. This mass migration of the political elite back to the state capital served as a powerful symbol of Garo’s widespread appeal and the high stakes of his confirmation following the vacancy created on March 27, 2026. Leading the charge were heavyweights of the National Assembly and former executive pillars, including Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi. Senator Kawu Sumaila and Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing the legislative backbone of the state, alongside Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, and Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari,Hon. Engr. Sani Bala Tsanyawa,Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo,Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Badau,Hon. Sagir Koki,Hon. Abdullahi Mu’azu Gwarzo.

The endorsement of the party’s foundation was particularly evident through the presence of the Elders Forum of the old APC. Distinguished leaders such as Former Speaker Hon. Abdulaziz Garba Gafasa, Fomer Speaker Hon. Ya’u Yanshana, Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Aliko Shu’aibu, Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Kabiru Hassan Dashi,Alhaji Bako Laraba, Alhaji Abubakar Mai-Mai Kwanar Dangora, and Alhaji Talle Mai’unguwa, among others, were prominently represented to identify with the nominee. Their presence signaled a vital bridge between the party’s heritage and its future, reinforcing the broad-based consensus behind Garo’s emergence as the preferred choice among the legacy stakeholders.

However, it was the depth of the wider delegation that truly underscored the nominee’s reach. The entourage featured a rare assembly of institutional memory and grassroots power, including members of the Forum of Former Commissioners (2015–2023). and a vast array of former Special Advisers, SSAs, and Chief Executives of state agencies. This executive weight was matched by the “grassroots commanders”—former Local Government Chairmen and Caucus Committee Chairmen from all 44 LGAs—proving that the nominee’s support resonates in every ward. The legislative solidarity was equally imposing, with former Speakers and Members of the State House of Assembly standing side-by-side with both former and serving members of the Federal House of Representatives.

This massive turnout also showcased the “soul” of the party, as current and former Party Executives joined the vibrant Women’s Wing to demonstrate that the internal machinery is fully energized. Even the digital and security arms of the movement were represented, with social media influencers documenting the historic moment in real-time and Party Marshalls maintaining the orderly conduct of the massive crowd. By bringing together the “old guard” and the “new wave,” Murtala Garo has positioned himself as a consensus candidate capable of healing rifts and fostering long-term stability.

Without a doubt, this event stands as the most significant screening exercise in the history of the state. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the State House of Assembly has never witnessed such an unprecedented and massive turnout in support of a single nominee. This record-breaking mobilization transcends mere politics; it is a historic declaration of collective intent. The presence of such an overwhelming and diverse coalition—uniting the wisdom of the old guard with the dynamism of the new generation—serves as the ultimate seal of authenticity for Murtala Sule Garo. It confirms that he is not just a nominee of the executive, but a choice of the people and the party at large.

As the state prepares for this new chapter, the message is undeniable: with a unified leadership, an energized grassroots, and a consensus that stretches from the local wards to the halls of Abuja, the path forward is one of unprecedented stability and progress. The Governor’s decision has not only filled a vacancy; it has fortified the very foundation of the state’s political future.