reports that the decision follows the resignation of former Deputy Governor, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, after a prolonged political crisis within the state leadership.

Gwarzo’s challenges reportedly began after Governor Yusuf exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that created political tension between both men, as the deputy governor remained in the NNPP.

The rift deepened when Gwarzo was allegedly pressured to defect to the APC alongside the governor but refused. The disagreement later escalated, with the State House of Assembly reportedly initiating moves to remove him from office.

Amid the political tension, Gwarzo resigned and later aligned with the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mustapha Muhammad, it was confirmed that Garo has been nominated to fill the vacant position.

The statement explained that the nomination was made in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers a governor to appoint a deputy governor when a vacancy arises.

It further stated that Governor Yusuf consulted widely before making the nomination and has forwarded Garo’s name to the State House of Assembly for approval.

Garo, aged 48, has an extensive background in public service spanning over 20 years, with experience at both local and state levels.

He has previously served as a party organising secretary, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area. He also chaired the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano, served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and was the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who said President Bola Tinubu had approved the changes as part of a minor cabinet reshuffle.

Following the development, the President elevated the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to the position of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In a related move, Ahmed Dangiwa was also relieved of his duties as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, with Muttaqha Darma appointed as his replacement.

Edun was appointed in August 2023 to oversee Nigeria’s fiscal and economic management, continuing a long-standing professional relationship with President Tinubu that dates back to his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2007.

Although widely regarded as one of the President’s trusted allies, sources told Premium Times that tensions between both men had reportedly been building in recent months.

Insiders attributed the strain to dissatisfaction over slow capital budget releases and delays in implementation, which disrupted the country’s January-to-December fiscal cycle.

In February, federal lawmakers accused Edun of recording “zero implementation” of the 2025 capital budget despite the approval of ₦1.15 trillion for capital expenditure. They also pointed to complaints from ministries, departments, and agencies over inadequate funding and unpaid contractors, with some opposition lawmakers reportedly pushing for his removal.

Edun, however, defended the administration’s approach, stating that the government had ended what he described as an “unsustainable” practice of printing money to finance projects, while prioritising debt servicing.

He also maintained that about 80 per cent of the 2024 capital budget had been implemented and assured that 2025 capital releases were ongoing, targeting full completion by December.

Tension At FEC Meeting

Sources further revealed that relations between the President and Edun worsened after a reportedly heated exchange during a Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, which allegedly required intervention from a presidential aide.

According to one insider, the incident marked a turning point, suggesting that Edun’s position had become increasingly uncertain.

Following the clash, some of his responsibilities were reportedly transferred to the office of the Minister of State for Finance.

Efforts by Edun to repair the relationship, including a visit to Lagos, were said to have yielded no positive outcome.

The appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance in March was also interpreted by insiders as a sign of an impending shake-up.

By then, sources said it had become apparent that Edun’s exit from the cabinet was only a matter of time.