Kano Governor’s Aide Appoints Son as Chief of Staff

A senior aide to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed his son as Chief of Staff in his office, following the announcement of five appointments on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Ahmad Aruwa, the governor’s Special Adviser on Publicity, named his son, Aliyu Ahmed, to the position alongside four other aides expected to support the work of his office.

The other appointees are Habibu Liman, appointed Private Secretary; Adamu Mai Salati, named Protocol Officer; Isa Ahmed Don, appointed Director-General of Media and Communication; and Musa Muhammad Daurawa, who will serve as Personal Assistant.

The appointments were announced after Aruwa received his own appointment letter. A statement issued by the office said the new aides would assist with its administrative, communication and publicity responsibilities.

Speaking after receiving his appointment letter, Aruwa pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by Governor Yusuf through dedication, loyalty and commitment to duty.

He also declared his political allegiance to the governor, saying he would work to support the administration’s success.

Aruwa commended members of his media team for their support and expressed confidence that they would continue working together to communicate the state government’s policies, programmes and achievements.

The appointment of his son to the Chief of Staff position has drawn attention because of the family relationship between the appointing official and the appointee.

The available reports, however, do not establish whether the appointment breached any applicable rule or whether a formal authorisation was required beyond the appointment announcement. Any assessment of its legality would depend on the terms of Aruwa’s appointment, the authority delegated to his office and relevant public-service regulations.

The development has also renewed public discussion about transparency and the role of personal relationships in appointments to political offices. Such appointments can attract scrutiny over the criteria used to select candidates, particularly where relatives are involved.

The four other appointments cover secretarial, protocol, media and personal-assistance functions. Their responsibilities are expected to support the publicity adviser’s day-to-day work and communication with the public.

The Kano State Government and Aruwa’s office have not been reported as announcing a separate review of the appointments.

The development places attention on the structure of political support offices in the state and the importance of clarity about appointment powers, selection criteria and accountability in public service.